LIBRARY 

UNIVERSITY  Of 
CAUPDRNIA 
SAN  DIEGO 


ORIGINAL    ACROSTICS, 


ON  SOME  OF   THB 


STA.TES   -A.ISTD    PRESIDENTS 

OF    THB 

UNITED    STATES, 

AND     VARIOUS     PTHER     SUBJECTS, 

KELIGIOUS,  POLITICAL  AND  PEKSONAL 

ILLUSTRATED 


WITH   FIFTY   ENGRAVINGS, 


BY/  EOBEET  BLACKWELL. 


NEW  YORK • 

PUBLISHED  FOR  THE  AUTHOR. 

1871. 


INDEX, 


Arkansas  .  . 

Adams,  John  (Juincy 
Atlanta    . 
Acklin,  Mrs.  Col.    . 
Applewhite,  Dr.  J.  N. 
Augusta        .  .  . 

Blackwell,  Robert        • 
Brown,  Gov.  .  . 

Brandy    .  .  . 

Bell,  William 
Buchanan,  James       . 
Bell,  John    . 
Bourlaud,  Ellen  F.      . 
Blackwell,  Elizabeth 
Bell,  B.  S. 
Blackwell,  John  L. 
Blackwell,  Mary  T.    . 
Bragg,  Laura  J. 
Bible      . 

Blackwell,  Micajah 
Baldwin,  R.      . 

Cheatham,  Dr.  W.  N. 
Crenshaw,  Annie  E.  . 
Cole,  Dr.  Isaac  N. 
Childs,  S.  R.     . 
Cars  . 

Clay,  Henry    . 
Cable,  Atlantic 
Columbus,  Christopher 
Carolina,  North 
Connecticut,    . 
Charity— Faith— Hope     . 
Cosgrove,  Charles 
Chase,  The  . 
California 
Croge,  Spencer      . 
Comet    . 
Cole,  Dr.  J.  L. 
Canton,  Ladies  of 

Douglas,  Stephen  A. 
Dameron,  E.  H. 
Dean,  Elizabeth     .  . 

Dippers,  Snuff  . 

Delaware     . 

Emmet,  Robert 
Earth 

Fox,  Maggie  C. 
Flushing       .  •  • 

Fillmore,  Millard 
Fame 

Grant,  Ulysses 
Gospel,  go  ye 
Georgia  .  • 

Hendrickson,  Hendrick  A. 
Hill,  Frances  E. 
Hope  .  •  « 

Hume,  Mr.        .  . 

Head,  River 
Hill,  Nettie      . 
Hampshire,  New  . 

Howard,  Ann  . 

Jefferson,  Thomas 
Johnson,  Andrew       . 


100 

105 


2.1 

4' 

44 
46 
49 

55 

8 

Co 

101 

107 


Jesus 

John 

Jackson,  Ladies  of 

Jennings,  Sallie  E. 

Jamaica 

Jerusalem        .  . 

Jackson,  Andrew 

Lincoln,  Abraham 
Lafayette,  M.  De 
Lancaster 
Light 

Machine,  Sewing 
Mist 
Mary    . 
Maryland    . 
Marriage  .  . 

Moon,  Sarah  P.    . 
Moon,  Wm.  T. 
McLean,  Judge 
Massachusetts  . 

North,  Soldiers  of 

North,  Ladies  of 

News 

North  Carolina 

Nebraska 

Oil,  Ambrosial 
Oddities,  Two 

Pennsylvania 
Polk,  James  K. 
Prince,  Mistress  M. 

Rum  .  . 

Rush    . 
Revelries 
Reves,  Nancy 

S.  T.  Mary 
Selfish.  The    . 
Smith,  Fanny      . 
Springfield,  Ladies  of 
Springs,  Chalybeate 
Sleep,  Amount  of 
Sun 
Stars    . 
Sherman,  Gen.    . 

Terry,  Susan  A. 
Thomas.  M.  H. 
T.  Miss  Harriet 
Tea 

Tennessee     . 
Thomas,  Emma 
Taylor,  Zachery      . 
Titsworth,  Sarah  A. 

Union  . 

Utah 

Vermont      .         .  . 

Webster,  Daniel 
Washington,  City  of 
Wife,  My 
Washington,  George 


99 

4o 

5:5 
54 
Ba 

89 
9 


9 

35 
4' 
41 

V 

5-' 

9 


JOS 
104 
4<> 
fo 

63 

46 
58 

J02 
23 
60 


62 
66 

«4 
62 

94 

86 
85 

677 
79 

=4 

3 

5° 
fo 

73 
75 
70 

5 
77 


(S 
9' 
7 


17    York,  New 


ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 


ORIGINAL   ACKOSTICS.  - 

ACEOSTIC. 

RHYMING  is  now  my  occupation, 
Oft  times  I  write  on  subjects  new, 
By  this  I  rise  to  observation, 
Expecting  pay  for  what  I  do  ; 
Regarding  men  of  higher  station, 
They  read  my  book,  and  pay  me,  too. 

Burlesque  me  not,  ye  wise  and  knowing, 
Let  me  but  work  and  make  my  rhymes, 
All  I  would  ask  is  half  a  showing, 
Come,  gentlemen,  hand  o'er  your  dimes ; 
Keep  them  no  more  in  pockets  tight, 
When  people  work  they  want  their  pay. 
Encourage  worth  with  talents  bright — 
Little  critics,  now  clear  the  way, 
Learn  first  to  spell  before  you  write. 


ACROSTIC. 

UNITED  in  heart,  to  thee  firmly  we  cling ; 
Not  fearing  the  world  while  thy  praises  we  sing ; 
Impressed  with  thy  charms,  thy  grandeur  and  might, 
Our  pride  and  our  glory,  while  to  thee  we  hold  tight, 
No  nation  can  awe  us  or  put  us  to  flight ! 


ROBERT   BLACKWELL  8 


ORIGINAL   ACKOSTICS.  7 

ACKOSTIC. 

Go,  read  the  history  of  the  earth, 
Each  book,  and  try  to  find 
One  man  so  loved  for  sterling  worth, 
Respected,  more  refined — 
Greater,  and  of  a  better  birth, 
Endeared  more  to  mankind. 

"We  read,  that  ere  to  fight  he  went, 
All  brave  of  heart  to  do  and  dare, 
Some  one  beheld  our  hero  bent, 
His  God  to  seek  in  humble  prayer. 
In  that  behold  his  faith  in  God — 
Not  in  the  prowess  of  his  sword. 
Great  chieftain,  gift  of  heaven  above, 
There  never  was  a  man. 
On  earth  deserved  more  praise  or  love, 
Not  e'en  since  time  began. 

First  President  of  the  United  States.  , 

Born  in  Virginia,  February  22, 1732.    President  from  1789  to  1797 — eight  years.    Died  De- 
cember i,  1799. 


MORAL  LESSON— WASHINGTON'S  FILIAL  PIETY. 

GEORGE  WASHINGTON,  when  young,  was  about  to  go  to  sea  as  a  midshipman ; 
every  thing  was  arranged  ;  the  vessel  lay  opposite  his  father's  house ;  the  little 
boat  had  come  on  shore  to  take  him  off,  and  his  whole  heart  was  bent  on  going. 
After  hia  trunk  had  been  carried  down  to  the  boat,  he  went  to  bid  his  mother 
farewell,  and  saw  the  tears  bursting  from  her  eyes.  However,  he  said  nothing 
to  her ;  but  he  saw  that  his  mother  would  be  distressed  if  he  went,  and,  perhaps, 
never  be  happy  again.  He  just  turned  round  to  the  servant,  and  said,  "  Go 
and  tell  them  to  fetch  my  trunk.  I  will  not  go  away  to  break  my  moth- 
er's heart."  His  mother  was  struck  with  the  decision,  and  she  said  to  him, 
"  George,  God  has  promised  to  bless  the  children  that  honor  their  parents, 
and  I  believe  that  he  will  bless  you."  The  young  man  who  thus  honored  his 
parents  was  afterward  honored  by  his  countrymen,  and  will  be  to  the  end  of 
time. 


EOBEKT  BLACKWELL'S 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  9 

ACROSTIC. 

GREAT  and  noble,  brave  and  free, 
Ever  faithful,  kind  was  he  ; 
No  one  could  bend  his  iron  will, 
Earth  could  not  his  spirit  quell ; 
Read  his  exploits  o'er  and  o'er, 
And  you'll  love  him  more  and  more. 
Low  though  he  sleeps,  his  virtues  shine, 
And  will  until  the  end  of  time. 
Now  go  with  him  through  all  life's  scenes, 
Down  to  the  battle  of  New  Orleans  ; 
Respect  the  course  he  is  pursuing, 
Enter  on  the  battle's  plain, 
Witness  the  dying  and  the  slain  ; 
Judge  from  what  you  see  him  doing, 
All  his  efforts  were  not  in  vain  ; 
Cities  though  are  saved  from  ruin, 
Kindled  is  the  very  air — 
See  the  British  in  despair — 
On  each  foe  destruction  hurl'd — 
Now  his  fame  surrounds  the  world. 

Seventh  President  of  the  United  States. 

Born  in  North  Carolina,  March  15, 1767.     President  from  1829  to  1837 — eight  years.     Died 

June  8, 1845. 


MORAL  LESSON. 

Lord  Tenterden,  who  was  the  son  of  a  barber,  had  too  much  good  sense  to 
feel  any  false  shame  on  that  account.  It  is  related  of  him,  that  when,  in  an 
early  period  of  his  professional  career,  a  brother  barrister,  with  whom  he  hap- 
pened to  have  a  quarrel,  had  the  bad  taste  to  twit  him  on  his  origin,  his  manly 
and  severe  reply  was,  "  Yes,  sir,  I  nm  the  son  of  a  barber ;  if  you  had  been  the 
son  of  a  barber,  you  would  have  been  a  barber  yourself." 


10 


KOBEKT  BLACKWELL'S 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  11 


ACKOSTIC. 

JUST  read  his  dear  name,  and  his  merits  proclaim  ; 
Unflinching  from  duty,  he  rose  up  to  fame ; 
Discerning  true  worth  in  the  Christians  of  earth, 
God  giving  him  faith,  he  sought  the  new  birth. 
Embracing  which,  he  exulting  could  see 
Jehovah's  own  Son  his  Savior  to  be. 

Made  glorious  and  bright,  with  heaven  in  sight, 
Captivating  our  hearts,  he  marched  on  to  might. 
Leaving  nothing  undone,  while  'iieath  the  bright  sun, 
Ever  faithful  and  kind,  many  victories  he  won ; 
And  with  his  last  words,  he  shouted  in  death ; 
Not  fearing  to  die,  surrendered  his  breath. 


ACKOSTIC. 

MAKE  all  thy  men  in  this  Union  confide, 
And  resolve  to  sustain  it,  since  thousands  have  died, 
Suffering  with  hunger,  with  hardships,  and  pains, 
Sickness,  and  tortures,  to  free  us  from  chains ; 
And  since  those  chains  that  bound  us  once  fast 
Can  never  more  gall,  while  the  Union  shall  last, 
Hold  back  the  turbulent  and  make  them  see 
Union  of  States  is  the  strength  of  the  free ; 
So  should  thy  sons  in  the  future  be  found 
Endeavoring  to  scatter  dissension  around  ; 
Those  traitors  arrest,  though  fierce  and  though  bold, 
Their  crimes  to  punish  before  we  are  sold 
Slaves  to  Europe,  that  tyrant  of  old. 

One  of  the  original  thirteen.    Population  1860, 1,231,494.     Number  of  square  miles,  7,800. 


12  KOBEKT  BLACKWELL'B 


ACEOSTIC. 

HATING  all  wrong,  let  us  be  strong, 
Each  holy  joy  to  saints  belong ; 
Now,  knowing  this,  the  Lord  of  might 
Direct  our  feet  in  ways  of  right ; 
Rich  and  the  poor,  the  low  and  the  high, 
In  the  cold  grave  must  shortly  lie  ; 
Convinced  of  this,  now  let  us  pray, 
King  Jesus  take  our  sins  away, 

And  make  us  both  more  useful  be. 

How  swift  our  lives  away  they  flee ; 
Exposed  to  pain  at  every  brortb, 
Now  let  us  both  prepare  for  death. 
Don't  let  us  care  what  sinners  say ; 
Remember,  if  we  humbly  pray, 
Immanuel  God,  without  a  doubt, 
Converting  us,  will  make  us  shout ; 
Kept  by  free  grace,  the  Christian  knows 
Salvation's  streams  still  saving  flows. 
Oh,  let  us,  then,  in  Christ  confide, 
Nor  fear  to  own  for  us  he  died. 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  13 


ACEOSTIC. 

GLITTERING  fame 
Of  pearly  white, 
Yigorous,  and 
Ethereal  bright, 
Reflect  his  worth. 
Now  oil  him  gaze, 
Our  people's  choice, 
Resolve  to  praise. 

Just  view  him  now, 
On  glory  bent, 
Striving  to  make 
Each  one  content ; 
Proclaiming  truth, 
His  name  should  be 

Extolled  by  all, 

Both  bond  and  free. 
Receiving  praise, 
O'er  earth  he  goes, 
With  head  above 
Nefarious  foes. 


ACROSTIC. 

MADE  under  the  law,  defiled  by  sin, 
And  by  the  spirit  pure  within ; 
Redeemed  by  blood,  from  sin  set  free, 
Your  soul  will  live  while  ages  flee. 


EOBEKT  BLAOKWELL  S 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  15 


ACEOSTIC. 

THREATENED  by  foes  on  land  and  sea, 
Heeding  not  the  powers  that  be, 
Our  fathers,  struggling  to  be  free, 
Made  us  renowned,  by  giving  thee 
A  pen  to  write  a  declaration, 
Scorning  chains  and  degradation, 

Just  in  time  to  save  a  nation, 
Expressing  worth  by  demonstration  ; 
Flinching  not,  with  pen  in  hand, 
For  us  so  boldly  took  thy  stand, 
Elevated  by  command, 
Rolled  the  ink  to  save  our  land. 
So  long  as  stars  and  stripes  shall  wave 
O'er  this  land  of  the  fair  and  brave, 
Nations  will  respect  thy  grave. 

Third  President  of  the  United  States. 

Born  in  Virginia,  April  13,  1743.     President  from  1801  to  1809 — eight  years. 
Died  July  4,  1826. 


MORAL  LESSON.— WISDOM  LEARNED  FROM  NATURE. 

AN  Italian  bishop  struggled  through  great  difficulties  without  repining  or 
betraying  the  least  impatience.  One  of  his  intimate  friends,  who  highly  admired 
the  virtues  which  he  thought  it  impossible  to  imitate,  one  day  nsked  the  prelate 
if  he  could  communicate  the  secret  of  being  always  easy.  "  Yes,"  replied  the 
old  man,  "  I  can  teach  you  my  secret  with  great  facility  ;  it  consists  in  nothing 
more  than  making  a  right  use  of  my  eyes."  His  friend  begged  of  him  to  explain 
himself.  "  Most  willingly,"  returned  the  bishop.  "  In  whatever  state  I  am,  I 
first  of  all  look  up  to  heaven,  and  remember  that  my  principal  business  here  is 
to  get  there ;  I  then  look  down  upon  the  earth,  and  call  to  mind  how  small  a 
place  I  shall  occupy  in  it,  when  I  die  and  am  buried ;  I  then  look  abroad  into 
the  world,  and  observe  what  multitudes  there  are  who  are  in  all  respects  more 
unhappy  than  myself.  Thus  I  learn  where  true  happiness  is  placed — where  all 
our  cares  must  end,  and  whut  littlu  reason  1  have  to  repino  or  complain." 


16 


EOBEET  BLACKWELL'S 


ORIGINAL  ACROSTICS.  17 


ACEOSTIC. 

ALL  o'er  these  States,  from  sea  to  sea, 
Ne'er  did  we  feel  more  need  of  light ; 
Depending  on  Jehovah,  we 
Regard  thee,  sir,  as  clothed  with  might ; 
Each  praying  God  tg  give  to  thee 
Wisdom  to  guide  our  people  right. 

Justly,  O  then,  thy  power  extend, 
Opposing  wrong  of  every  kind  ! 
Hold  to  the  right,  each  State  defend, 
North  and  the  South  together  bind. 
Secession  rose  but  had  an  end, 
Overpowered  as  was  designed, 
No  more  an  advocate  to  find. 

Seventeenth  President  of  the  United  States. 

Born  in  North  Carolina,  December  29,  1808.     Succeeded  to  the  Presidency  on 
the  assassination  of  President  A.  Lincoln,  April  14,  1865. 


ACEOSTIC. 

NOTED  afar  as  the  city  of  rocks, 

And  heroes  brave  and  ladies  fair, 

She  sits  enthroned  on  her  cliff,  and  mocks 

Her  envious  rivals  everywhere. 

View  all  her  noble  works  of  art — 

Increasing.    Wealth  on  every  hand ; 

Lawyers,  Statesmen,  schools,  and  mart  ; 

Little  to  blame  and  much  to  praise, 

E'en  here,  if  rich,  would  I  spend  my  days. 


18 


EGBERT  BLACK  WELL  S 


ORIGINAL   ACKOSTICS.  19 

ACEOSTIC. 

PEOPLE  of  this  and  distant  climes 
Regarded  him  as  one  of  worth ; 
Each  knowing  him,  did  him  adore, 
So  long  as  he  remained  on  earth. 
In  learning  none  could  him  excel, 
Discussion  was  to  him  delight ; 
Exploring  was  his  mind,  but  still 
Ne'er  was  he  known  to  swerve  from  right. 
Think  of  the  height  to  which  he  rose, 

Jeweled  with  fame's  bright  diadem ; 
Of  those  he  was  surrounded  by 
He  stood  above  the  best  of  them. 
Now  if  you  wish  to  blot  his  name 

Quite  from  beneath  the  sky, 

Uplift  the  sea  first  from  its  bed, 

Its  mighty  waves  defy ; 

Not  only  so,  but  make  the  stars 

Cease,  at  your  word,  to  run, 

Yon  silver  moon,  too,  pluck  it  down, 

And  paralyze  the  sun ; 
Do  all  which  we  have  named  above, 
And  then  you  can,  no  doubt, 
Make  men  forget  his  useful  life, 
Sweep,  too,  his  memory  out. 

Sixth  President  of  the  United  States. 

Born  in  Massachusetts,  July  11, 1767.    President  from  1825  to  1829— four  years.    Died  February 

23,  1848. 


MORAL  LESSON.— CICERO. 

THE  great  Roman  orator  was  one  day  sneered  at  by  one  of  his  opponents,  a 
mean  man  of  noble  lineage,  on  account  of  his  low  parentage.  "  You  are  the 
first  of  your  line,"  said  the  railer.  "  And  you,"  replied  Cicero,  "  are  the  last  of 
yours." 


20 


EOBEET   BLACKWELI/8 


ORIGINAL    ACROSTICS.  21 


ACEOSTIC. 

FIRST,  wisdom  seek,  and  with  the  meek 
Rejoice,  the  name  of  Christ  to  speak ; 
And  'neath  the  sun,  all  errors  shun, 
!N"or  in  the  way  of  sinners  run ; 
Child  as  thou  art,  Christ  wants  thy  heart, 
Entreats  thee,  too,  from  sin  to  part ; 
So  let  us  bow  to  Jesus  now, 

Embracing  faith,  he  tells  thee  how 
Yile  sinners  may  find  out  the  way, 
And  keep  the  road  to  endless  day. 

His  wondrous  love  be  thine  to  prove ; 
In  Christ  we  live,  in  him  we  move ; 
Low  at  his  feet,  that  safe  retreat, 
Let  us  his  matchless  worth  repeat. 


MORAL    LESSON. 

LORD  Tenterden,  who  was  the  son  of  a  barber,  had  too  much  good  sense  to 
feel  any  false  shame  on  that  account.  It  is  related  of  him,  that  when,  in  an  early 
period  of  his  professional  career,  a  brother  barrister,  with  whom  he  happened 
to  have  a  quarrel,  had  the  bad  taste  to  twit  him  on  his  origin,  his  manly  and 
severe  reply  was,  "  Yes,  sir,  I  am  the  son  of  a  barber ;  if  you  had  been  *^  son 
of  a  barber  you  would  have  been  a  barber  yourself." 


KOBEKT   BLACKWELI/8 


ORIGINAL   ACKOSTICS.  23 


ACEOSTIC. 

JUSTICE  and  truth  he  loved  from  his  youth, 
And,  as  in  years,  he  grew  old, 
More  wise  he  became,  till  he  won  a  proud  name, 
Ever  to  be  bright ;  while  stars  give  us  light, 
Shall  the  world  of  his  wisdom  be  told. 

Kindest  of  men,  there  ne'er  was  a  pen 

Pointed  with  gems  could  praise  him  too  high ; 
O'er  the  statesman  true  now  hundreds  we  view, 
Lamenting  the  hour  when  God,  by  his  power, 
Kindled  disease,  and  caused  him  to  die. 

Eleventh  President  of  the  United  States. 

Born  In  North  Carolina,  November  2, 1795.    President  from  1846  to  1840— four  years.    Died 
June  15, 1849.     Glory  to  his  name  and  peace  to  his  ashes. 


His  fame  it  will  last  while  ages  go  past, 
Kind  husband,.great  statesman,  though  dead, 
Our  people  do  boast  of  his  valor  and  trust, 
On  the  marble  which  covers  his  head. 

(Inscribed  to  Mrs.  James  K.  Polk.) 


MORAL  LESSON— KNOCKING  AWAY  THE  PROPS. 

"  SEE,  father,"  said  a  lad  who  was  walking  with  his  father,  "  they  are  knock- 
ing away  the  props  from  under  the  bridge.  What  are  they  doing  that  for  ? 
Won't  the  bridge  fall  ?  " 

"They  are  knocking  them  away,"  said  the  father,  "  that  the  timbers  may 
rest  more  firmly  upon  the  stone  piers  which  are  now  finished." 

THE  APPLICATION. 

God  often  takes  away  our  earthly  props,  that  we  may  rest  more  firmly  on 
him.  God  sometimes  takes  away  a  man's  health  that  he  may  rest  upon  Him  for 
his  daily  bread.  Before  his  health  failed,  though,  perhaps,  he  repeated  daily 
the  words,  "  Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread,"  he  looked  to  his  own  industry 
for  that  which  he  asked  of  God.  That  prop  being  taken  away,  he  rested  wholly 
on  God's  bounty.  When  he  receives  his  bread,  ho  receives  it  as  the  gift  of  God. 
God  takes  away  our  friends,  that  we  may  look  to  him  for  sympathy.  When  cur 
affections  were  exercised  on  objects  around  U3,  when  we  rejoiced  in  their  abun- 
dant sympathy,  we  did  not  feel  the  use  of  Divine  sympathy ;  but  when  they 
were  taken  away  we  felt  our  need  of  God's  sympathy  and  support.  We  were 
brought  to  realize  that  he  alone  can  give  support,  and  form  an  adequate  portion 
for  the  souL  Thus  are  our  earthly  props  removed,  that  we  may  rest  firmly  and 
wholly  upon  God. 


24:  EOBEKT  BLACKWELL'S 


ACEOSTIC. 

RED  fire  of  hell — imcooling  drink, 
Unpitying  foe,  now  stop  and  think  ; 
Make  men  no  more  to  ruin  sink. 


THERE  is  a  sufficient  quantity  of  fermented  and  distilled  liquor  used  in  the 
United  States  to  fill  a  canal  14  feet  wide  and  120  miles  long. 

The  liquor  saloons  and  hotels  of  New  York  city,  if  placed  in  opposite  rows, 
would  make  a  street — like  Broadway — eleven  miles  in  length.  If  the  victims  of 
the  rum  traffic  were  there  also,  we  should  see  a  suicide  at  every  mile,  and  a 
thousand  funerals  every  day.  Such  are  its  appalling  results  I 


ACROSTIC. 

BLASTING  hopes  of  man  and  wife, 
Real  source  of  grief  and  strife ; 
A  curse  on  land,  a  curse  on  sea, 
Ko  man  of  sense  will  drink  of  thee , 
Drying  all  the  vitals  up, 
Yet  fools  this  poison  daily  sup. 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  25 

ACEOSTIC. 

DENOUNCER  of  wrong  and  defender  of  right, 
Occupying  a  place  resplendently  bright ; 
Commanding  our  songs,  our  homage,  and  our  praise ; 
Though  having  strong  vision,  on  thee  when  we  gaze, 
Our  eyes  are  dazzled,  for  we  see  so  much  light 
Reflected  from  thee  that  we  scarcely  can  write. 

We  wish  thee  much  pleasure  through  all  coming  days, 
And  thy  most  charming  bride,  deserving  our  praise, 

Convinced  of  her  merits,  her  graces,  and  worth, 
Having  wed  her,  the  best  of  mortals  on  earth, 
Extol  her,  protect  her,  each  day  through  the  year, 
And,  others  forsaking,  her  presence  prefer ; 
'Twill  give  her  true  joy  thy  affection  to  tell, 
Her  face  wreathed  with  smiles,  all  confusion  to  quell, 
And  drive  away  darkness,  preventing  all  strife, 
Making  thousands  adore  both  thee  and  thy  wife. 


TAKE  WARNING. 

THE  judgment-day  is  just  ahead, 
And  ere  one  hundred  years  be  fled, 
All  those  now  living  will  be  dead, 
And  sleeping  in  their  narrow  bed. 

Then  let  us  all  from  slumber  wake, 
And  this  resolve  with  firmness  make 
We  will  at  once  our  sins  forsake, 
And  the  bright  road  to  jglory  take. 
2 


26 


EOBEKT   BLACKWELIi's 


ORIGINAL   ACKOSTIC8.  27 

ACROSTIC. 

MORE  fool  than  wise,  more  knave  than  saint, 

And  yet  he  had  so  many  charms, 

Reclining  on  his  chair  of  ease, 

The  people  took  him  to  their  arms ; 

In  all  his  glory  they  saw  him  rise, 

Not  clothed  with  virtue,  but  with  disguise 

Yows  he  broke  from  day  to  day, 
And  though  he  made  a  great  display, 
No  good  of  him  can  mortal  say. 

But  still  from  us  he  homage  claims, 
Unmindful  of  his  traitorous  aims ; 
Robed  in  the  garments  of  a  foe, 
Enticing  men  with  him  to  go — 
Not  to  heaven,  but  down  below. 

Eighth  President  of  the  United  States. 
Born  In  New  York,  December  5, 1782.    President  from  1837  to  1841— four  years. 


FABLE— THE  FOX  AND  THE  GOAT. 

A  Fox  having  tumbled  by  chance  into  a  well,  had  been  casting  about  a  long 
while  to  no  purpose  how  he  should  get  out  again,  when,  at  last,  a  goat  came  to 
the  place,  and  wanting  a  drink,  asked  Reynard  whether  the  water  was  good. 
"  Good,"  says  he ;  "  aye,  so  sweet  that  I  am  afraid  I  have  surfeited  myself,  I 
have  drank  so  abundantly."  The  goat,  upon  this,  without  any  more  ado,  leaped 
in,  and  the  fox,  taking  advantage  of  his  horns,  by  the  assistance  of  them,  as  nim- 
bly leaped  out,  leaving  the  poor  goat  at  the  bottom  of  the  well  to  shift  for  him- 
self. 

THE  APPLICATION. 

The  doctrine  taught  us  by  this  fable  Is  no  more  than  this :  that  we  ought  to  consider  who  it  Is 
that  advises  us  before  we  follow  the  advice.  For,  however  plausible  the  counsel  may  seem,  If  the 
person,  that  gives  it  is  a  crafty  knave,  we  may  be  assured  that  he  intends  to  genre  himself  in  it 
more  than  us,  if  not  to  erect  something  to  his  own  advantage  out  of  our  ruin. 

The  little,  poor  country  attorney,  ready  to  starve,  and  sunk  to  the  lowest  depths  of  poverty,  for 
want  of  employment,  by  such  arts  as  these,  draws  the  'squire,  his  neighbor,  into  the  gulf  of  the  law ; 
until,  laying  hold  on  the  branches  of  his  revenue,  he  lifts  himself  out  of  obscurity,  and  leaves  the 
other  immured  in  the  bottom  of  a  mortgage. 


KOBEKT   BLACKWELL  8 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  29 


ACEOSTIC. 

PERCEIVE  him  now  standing  before  us  to-day, 
Resemblance  of  all  that  is  noble  and  true  ; 
Enamored  at  the  sight,  though  he  sleeps  in  the  clay, 
Still  we  love  from  our  hearts  his  image  to  view. 
In  his  converse  and  presence  we  all  took  delight ; 
Discerning  true  wisdom  in  Freedom's  great  son  ; 
Endowed  with  good  sense,  he  rose  up  to  might, 
Ne'er  swerving  from  duty,  ere  his  race  it  was  run — 
The  rebels  and  traitors  he  put  them  to  flight. 

All  knew  him  as  honest,  persevering,  and  good ; 

Long  services  like  his  will  ne'er  be  forgot, 
It  was  at  the  head  of  our  councils  he  stood, 
Not  dreaming  of  danger,  when,  alas  !  he  was  shot. 
Could  grieving  awake  our  Statesman  and  guide, 
Our  weeping  and  wailing  would  do  it  we  know  ; 
Loving  his  country,  like  a  martyr,  he  died, 
Not  knowing  the  man  who  laid  him  so  low. 

Sixteenth  President  of  the  United  States. 

Born  in  Hardin  Co.,  Ky.,  February  12,  1809.     President  from  1861  to  his  assas- 
sination, which  took  place  April  14,  1865. 


ACEOSTIC. 

DREADFUL  monster — ruthless  foe  ! 
Ever  traveling  to  and  fro, 
And  causing  tears  of  grief  to  flow ; 
The  great  and  loved,  and  those  that  be 
Ilale  and  strong,  must  yield  to  thee. 


30 


ROBERT   BLACKWELL  8 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  31 

ACEOSTIC. 

GIVE  him  due  praise 
Each  man  that  he 
Now  living  on 
Earth's  soil  free , 
Read  how  he  fought, 
And  bravely,  too, 
Leading  his  men. 

Great,  wise,  and  true, 
Reflecting  worth ; 
A  hero,  he 
Ne'er  will  succumb 
To  foes  that  be. 

ULYSSES  SIMPSON  GRANT  was  born  In  Clermont  County,  Ohio,  on  the  2Tth  day  of  April, 
1S22,  in  a  small  one-story  cottage,  which  is  still  standing  on  the  banks  of  the  Ohio,  commanding  a 
view  of  the  Ohio  River  and  the  Kentucky  shore. 


MORAL  LESSON— LUTHER  MARTIN  AND  THE  YOUNG  LAWYER. 

WE  heard  an  anecdote  of  this  distinguished  lawyer,  a  few  days  ago,  which  we  remember  to 
have  met  with  In  print,  but  which  is  so  good  that  it  will  do  to  tell  again. 

Martin  was  on  one  occasion  riding  to  Annapolis  in  a  stage  coach,  m  which  was  a  solitary  com- 
panion, a  young  lawyer,  just  commencing  the  practice  of  law.  After  some  familiar  conversation, 
the  young  gentleman  said : 

"  Sir,  you  have  been  remarkably  successful  in  your  profession — few  have  gained  so  many 
cases — will  you  be  good  enough  to  communicate  to  me,  a  beginner,  the  secret  of  your  wondrous 
success  ?" 

"  I'll  do  It,  young  man,  on  one  condition,  and  that  is,  that  you  defray  my  expenses  during  my 
stay  of  a  few  days  at  Annapolis." 

"  Willingly,''  replied  the  young  man,  hoping  thereby  to  profit  greatly  by  the  communication. 

"The  secret  of  my  success,"  said  Martin.  '*  may  be  discovered  in  this  advice,  which  I  now  give 
you,  namely :  '  Deny  every  thing,  and  insist  upon  proof.'1 " 

On  reaching  Annapolis,  Luther  Martin  was  not  very  self-denying  In  the  enjoyment  presented 
by  a  fine  hotel;  the  substantial  and  general  refreshments  were  dispatched  in  a  manner  quite 
gratifying  to  mine  host.  The  time  for  return  at  length  came.  The  young  man  and  Mart  in  stood 
together  at  the  bar,  demanding  their  respective  bills. 

Martin's  was  enormous,  but  on  glancing  at  it,  he  quietly  handed  It  to  the  young  lawyer,  who, 
running  his  eye  over  it,  leisurely  returned  it  with  the  utmost  gravity. 

"  Don't  you  intend  to  pay  It?"  said  Martin. 

"  Pay  what?"  said  the  young  lawyer. 

"  Why,  pay  this  bill.  Did  you  not  promise,  on  the  route  downward,  that  you  would  defray  my 
expenses  at  the  hotel?" 

"  My  dear  sir,"  said  the  young  gentleman,  "  I  deny  every  thing,  and  insist  upon  proof." 

Martin  at  once  saw  that  he  was  caught,  and  eyeing  his  young  friend  a  moment  or  two,  he  said, 
pleasantly,  "  You  dou't  need  any  counsel  from  me,  young  man — you  don't  need  any  counsel  from 
me." 


32 


KOBEET  BLACKWELL'S 


THIS  fine  machine, 

Before  us  seen, 
While  we  its  charms  proclaim ; 

We  only  know 

That  it  can  sew, 
But  cannot  tell  its  name. 

Still  we  suppose 

'Twas  made  by  those 
Who  understood  the  art 

Of  forming  right, 

Machin'ry  bright, 
To  cheer  each  loving  heart. 

'Tis  making  dimes 

More  prized  than  rhymes ; 
Earth  with  its  fame  is  ringing. 

While  sitting  there, 

That  lady  fair 
About  its  worth  is  singing. 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  33 

ACEOSTIC. 

SWEET  is  the  breath  of  morn  when  we  arise; 
Unspeakably  sweet  to  look  upon 
So  wondrous  a  work  as  the  lucid  skies ; 
And  a  creature  formed  like  thee,  bright  one, 
No  living  man  can  fail  to  prize. 

Aurora  gilds  the  morn  with  light — 

'Tis  her's  to  drive  all  gloom  away, 
Each  one  behold  her  charms  and  might, 
Resplendent  goddess  of  the  day, 
Hound  earth  she  drives  her  chariot  bright, 
Yet  not  of  her,  of  thee,  we  write. 


ACROSTIC. 

ANNIE,  sweet  Annie,  it  ne'er  was  my  lot 
'Neath  the  blue  bending  skies,  in  palace  or  cot, 
'Neath  the  tropical  sun  or  the  snow-covered  crest, 
In  the  Orient  East,  or  the  beauty-famed  West, 
E'er  to  meet,  e'en  in  dreams,  with  an  angelic  face, 

Enshrined  in  a  form  that  an  houri  would  grace ; 

Combined  in  one  being,  virtue,  gentleness,  love, 
Refining  the  circle  in  which  she  might  move, 
Enhancing,  exhalting,  enriching  with  good, 
Ne'er  till  now  in  such  presence  enrapt  have  I  stood. 
Still  long  have  I  hoped  such  a  lady  to  meet — 
Have  fondly  believed  such  a  being  I'd  greet ; 
And  now,  having  found  her,  I  fain  at  thy  shrine 
Would  kneel,  worship,  idolize,  beauty  like  thine. 


AOKOSTIC. 

EXPLORING  all  its  beauties,  I  never  can  its  Author  doubt, 
A.S  fancy  flies  from  pole  to  pole,  and  the  eye  looks  round 

about, 

Reflecting  on  its  wondrous  size,  remembering  all  I  see, 
The  blessed  Lord  from  nothing  spake ;  and  for  a  worm  like 

me 
He  left  his  shining  home  above,  and  died  upon  a  tree. 


ACKOSTIC. 

WITH  firmness  and  with  holy  fear, 
In  the  work  of  Christ  engage, 
Let  nothing  ever  thee  deter, 
Loud  although  the  tempest  rage, 
In  deep  retirement  God  is  nigh, 
And  in  the  gloom  of  night 
Man  may  on  his  grace  rely, 

Benignity,  truth  and  might ; 
Ever,  then,  adore  his  name, 
Let  sinners  scoff,  the  world  defame, 
Let  heaven  be  thy  only  aim. 
( Of  Virginia.') 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  35 

ACEOSTIC. 

MEN  sing  of  thy  graces,  and  drink  to  thy  health, 
Renowned  for  thy  beauty,  thy  wisdom,  and  wealth, 
Scarce  know  we  one  mortal  so  good  as  thyself. 

Could  we  be  permitted  thy  worth  to  proclaim, 

Our  hills  and  our  valleys  would  ring  with  thy  name, 

Loud  sounding,  like  thunder,  extending  thy  fame, 

And  waking  from  slumber  all  mortals  around, 
Completely  enchanting  the  learned  and  profound ; 
Knowing  thy  merits,  thy  praises  would  sound ; 
Loving  most  justly  such  perfection  to  view, 
Interesting  our  hearts,  with  equals  but  few, 
Ne'er  swerving,  while  living,  thy  pleasures  pursue. 


ACEOSTIC. 

MY  niece  most  kind,  for  bliss  designed, 
As  one  of  sense,  improve  thy  mind ; 
Respecting,  too,  each  mortal  true, 
Yield  not  to  sin,  like  others  do. 

Eschewing  wrong,  be  firm  and  strong, 

Craving  knowledge,  now  march  along, 
And  gladly  sing,  to  Christ  I  cling, 
Maker  of  earth  and  every  thing. 
Proud  would  I  be  thy  face  to  see, 
Because  thou  art  so  dear  to  me  ; 
Each  hour,  each  day,  for  thee  I  pray. 
Loving  the  right,  with  death  in  sight, 
Let  us  for  realms  of  glory  fight. 
(Of  Crawford  Co.,  Arkansas.) 


36 


KOBEKT  BLACKWELL'S 


OBIGKSTAL   ACEOSTICS.  37 

ACEOSTIC. 

JUGGLING  old  men  we  hate  to  see, 
And  such  a  man  should  never  be 
Made  for  to  rule  the  brave  and  free. 
Evil-minded,  most  greedy,  too, 
See  how  he  spends  the  revenue. 

Base-hearted,  mean,  intriguing,  sly, 
Unfit  to  live,  unfit  to  die, 
Corrupted  by  a  Northern  band, 
Hating  the  South  our  native  land — 
A  curse  to  all,  to  child  and  sire — 
No  one  should  such  a  fame  desire. 
All  the  prayers  of  this  whole  nation 
Need  now  be  made  for  his  salvation. 

(Composed just  before  he  left  the  White  House,  1861.) 


MORAL  LESSON— THE  SLANDERERS  FALL. 

ONE  of  the  favorites  of  Artaxerxes,  ambitious  of  getting  a  place  possessed  by 
one  of  the  king's  best  officers,  endeavored  to  make  the  king  suspect  that  offi- 
cer's fidelity ;  and  to  that  end,  sent  information  to  court  full  of  calumnies  against 
him,  persuading  himself  that  the  king,  from  the  great  credit  he  had  with  his 
majesty,  would  believe  the  thing  upon  his  bare  word,  without  further  examina- 
tion. Such  is  the  general  character  of  calumniators.  The  officer  was  impris- 
oned ;  but  he  desired  of  the  king,  before  he  was  condemned,  that  his  cause  might 
be  heard,  and  his  accusers  ordered  to  produce  their  evidence  against  him.  The 
king  did  so ;  and  as  there  was  no  proof  of  his  guilt  but  the  letters  which  his 
enemy  had  written  against  him,  he  was  cleared,  and  his  innocence  fully  con- 
firmed by  the  three  commissioners  who  sat  upon  his  trial.  All  the  king's  indig- 
nation fell  upon  the  perfidious  accuser,  who  had  thus  attempted  to  abuse  the  con- 
fidence and  favor  of  his  royal  master. 


38  EGBERT  BLACKWELL'S 

ACEOSTIC. 

MY  song  and  praise  shall  be  of  one, 
Among  the  greatest  mortals,  who, 
Regarding  us  when  struggling  hard, 
Quickly  to  our  succor  flew. 
Undesigning  in  all  he  done, 
Intrepid,  wise,  and  generous  man, 
Soon  for  himself  bright  laurels  won. 

Disinterested,  here  he  came, 
Equipped  with  armor  shining  bright, 

Leading  forth  his  soldiers,  who, 
At  his  expense,  came  here  to  fight. 
For  us  he  fought,  was  wounded,  too, 
And  for  our  cause  did  suffer  pain  ; 
Yet,  soon  as  he  recovered  strength, 
Enlisted  in  the  war  again. 
The  sun  and  moon  will  first  grow  dim, 
The  concave  melt,  the  planets  fall, 
E'er  men  will  cease  to  reverence  him. 

A  Major-General  in  the  American  army ;  is  justly  celebrated  ibr  leaving  au 
immense  estate,  the  best  of  friends,  and,  above  all,  a  beloved  wife,  to  fight  the 
battles  of  a  strange  people  in  a  far-off  country.  This  generous  act  will  render  his 
name  immortal.  He  was  born  in  France,  September,  1757,  and  died  at  La- 
grange,  in  1830,  and  now  lies  buried  in  France,  near  Paris,  sleeping  between  his 
heroic  wife  and  beloved  daughter. 


MORAL  LESSON— REASON  FOR  SINGULARITY. 

A  CELEBRATED  old  General  used  to  dress  in  a  fantastic  manner,  by  way  of  mat- 
ing himself  better  known.     It  is  true,  people  would  say — "  Who  is  that  old 
fool  ?  "  but  it  is  also  true  that  the  answer  was,  "  That  is  the  famous  General 
,  who  took  such  or  such  a  place." 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS. 


39 


ACEOSTIC. 

JUST  and  holy  Lamb  of  God ! 
Ever  may  I  trust  thy  blood 
So  long  as  life  remains  to  me  ; 
Uphold  me,  now  to  thy  cross  I  bow, 
Save  me  by  thy  mercy  free. 


ACKOSTIC. 

LEADING  us  right,  possessing  might, 
Our  hearts  and  wills  controlling ; 
Yiewless,  but  still  it  seems  to  fill 
Earth  with  its  darts  consoling.  . 


ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 


ACROSTIC. 

NEVER  falter,  never  tire, 

Ever  faithful  horse  to  me ; 

We  are  traveling,  traveling  fastly, 

Soon  in  sight  of  home  to  be. 


ACEOSTIC. 

JESUS  Christ,  the  truth,  the  way, 
On  Him  trust  from  day  to  day ; 
Harmless,  blameless,  strive  to  be, 
!Nor  fear  to  own  He  died  for  thee. 


ACEOSTIC. 

grieve  that  we  thy  scourges  see, 
And,  supplicating,  ask  of  thee, 
Relentless  monster,  from  us  flee. 

(Composed  in  1864.) 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  41 

ACEOSTIC. 

DIRECTED  by  wisdom, 
Onward  he  hies, 
Co-acting  with  men, 
Those  seeking  a  prize 
Of  glories  now  shining 
Remote  in  the  skies. 

In  all  his  acts 
Such  grandeur  we  see, 
As  beggars  description ; 
A  mortal  more  free 
Can  never  be  found, 

!Nor  desired  to  be. 

Concerning  his  goodness, 
Of  this  we  are  sure, 
Like  a  Christian  he  tries 
Each  person  to  cure. 


ACEOSTIC. 

MAY  all  thy  days  be  days  of  bliss, 
In  this  low  world  of  care ; 
Solid  and  lasting  peace  is  this 
To  have  of  death  no  fear. 


KOBEKT  BLACKWELL'S 


ACEOSTIC. 

HOLD  her  canvas  to  the  breeze, 
O'er  the  waves  she  rides  with  ease, 
Praise  to  God,  of  our  life  the  giver, 
Each  one  from  harm  he  can  deliver. 


ACROSTIC. 

MOST  worthy  and  sweet, 
A  mirror  of  light ; 
Glittering  like  diamonds, 
Glorious  and  bright ; 
Industrious,  and  giving 
Each  mortal  delight ; 

Captivating  our  hearts, 

Firm,  faithful  each  day. 

On  thy  name  when  we  write, 

X  stands  in  the  way. 


OBIGINAL   ACKOSTICS.  43 

ACEOSTIC. 

ONWARD  march,  never  lagging, 
•Never  on  thy  riches  bragging ; 

Let  thy  walls  more  wide  extend, 
And  thy  sons  from  harm  defend ; 
Never  let  no  foe  invade  thee, 
Cast  out  those  who  would  degrade  thee ; 
And  make  thy  sons  and  daughters  be 
Shining  lights  among  the  free. 
Though  Philadelphia  is  much  longer, 
Enriched  with  men,  perhaps  some  stronger, 
Regard  it  not,  though  thou  art  smaller. 

Can  she  boast  of  houses  taller  ? 
Is  she  possessed  of  ladies  fairer  ? 
Truer  ?     No,  we  can  compare  her, 
Yea,  and  even  prove  that  she 

Possesses  few  so  fair  as  thee ; 
Exquisite  in  their  forms  and  features, 
No  city  hath  such  lovely  creatures, 
Nor  none  possesses  better  preachers. 
Some  few  on  earth  may  be  more  wealthy, 
Yet  we  know  of  none  so  healthy. 
Laurels  around  thy  walls  are  clinging, 
Yirtuous  ladies,  too,  are  singing, 
And  others  working  hard,  while  we 
Now  are  speaking,  praising  thee. 
Indeed  we  love  no  place  so  well, 
And  yet  thy  worth  we  fail  to  tell. 


VIRTUE. 

His  hand  the  good  man  fastens  on  the  skies, 

And  bids  earth  roll,  nor  feels  her  idle  whirl. — YOUNG. 


44  EGBERT  BLACKWELL'S 


ACROSTIC. 
SWEET  music  round  this  place  is  ringing, 

Kinging  softly — stop  and  hear ; 

Childs  has  come,  just  hear  him  singing, 
He  was  made  our  hearts  to  cheer ; 
It  is  a  piano  he  is  playing — 
Let  us  go  and  near  him  stand, 
Detain  us  -not,  for  we  must  buy  it, 
Since  he  keeps  the  best  on  hand. 


ACEOSTIC. 

MAT  Heaven  inspire  me  now  with  rhyme, 
A  power  to  write  some  pleasing  line ; 
Rich  in  love,  and  rich  in  grace, 
Tour  beauty  and  many  charms  to  trace. 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  45 


ACEOSTIC. 

MORE  pure  than  the  gems  of  Olympian  stream, 
Inclining  to  good,  of  beauties  the  Queen ; 
"  Seductive  her  charms,  as  a  poet's  young  dream," 
Supremely  beloved  is  the  maid  of  my  theme. 

Many  beauties  I've  seen,  North,  South,  East,  and  "West, 
Acrosticised  hundreds,  in  earnest  and  jest, 
Respected  and  loved  some,  flattered  the  rest, 
Yet  she,  and  she  only,  reigns  Queen  of  my  breast. 

High  above  others  her  accomplishments  soar ; 
An  anthem  of  praise  might  be  sung  of  her  lore, 
Never  written  by  Byron,  Scott,  Shakspeare,  or  Moore ; 
Nor  dreamed  of  by  poets  or  painters  of  yore  ! 
And  her  wit  sparkles  bright  amid  pleasure's  throng, 
Heart-thrilling  her  accents,  as  love's  ardent  song. 

Thus  wisdom,  and  beauty,  and  virtue  unite, 
Harmonious  in  her  as  dreams  of  the  night. 
O,  could  I  depict  that  transcendent  delight 
My  heart  felt  when  first  she  enraptured  my  sight ! 
All  trembling  with  transport,  I  gazed  on  her  face, 
Seraphic  she  seemed,  as  an  angel  of  grace. 


ACROSTIC. 

(Composed  1860.) 

JUST  read  the  name  of  him  to  be 
Our  President ;  most  wise  is  he, 
His  cheerful  face,  as  all  agree, 
None  but  his  foes  dislike  to  see. 

Both  parties  can  in  him  repose, 
Every  man,  including  foes ; 
Law-abiding  man,  he  shows 
Love  for  truth  where'er  he  goes. 

Born  near  Nashville,  Tennessee,  1796,  and  entered  public  life  during  Federal  Administration  of 
John  Quincy  Adams,  and  in  I860  was  run  by  the  American  Party  as  a  candidate  for  the  Presidency. 


4:6  ROBERT  BLACK  WELL'S 


ACEOSTIC. 

CLATTER,  clatter,  here  they  come, 
A  wondrous  source  of  power, 
Running  at  a  rapid  rate, 
Some  thirty  miles  per  hour. 


ACEOSTIC. 

ALL  cases  of  headache  'twill  cure  at  a  touch, 
Men  and  dear  ladies  can't  praise  it  too  much ; 
Because  'tis  marvelous  and  cheering  to  read, 
Respecting  its  power  to  cure  with  such  speed. 
Old  sores,  sore  throats,  and  dyspepsia  it  cures, 
Sprains,  and  all  cuts,  wherever  it  goes ; 
It  cures  the  bronchitis,  it  cures  the  sore  eyes, 
And  it  cures  the  diarrhea,  as  no  one  denies ; 
Langour  of  spirits  'twill  remove  in  a  day, 

One  dose  will  do  it — no  cure  no  pay; 

It  cures  all  bites,  for  which  you  should  buy  it ; 

Ladies  and  gents  afflicted  now  try  it. 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS, 

ACEOSTIC. 

ENCHANTING  men  with  smiles  so  free, 
Look  now  on  one,  to  love  a  slave ; 
Let  me  but  thy  admirer  be, 
Each  day  to  speak  in  praise  of  theo — • 
No  greater  boon  than  this  I  crave. 

For  though  renowned,  I  do  not  seek, 
Lady,  to  win  that  heart  of  thine ; 
Of  worth  alone  I  wish  to  speak ; 
Regarding  thee  with  pure  design, 
I  view  thee  as  too  good  and  meek, 
Notwithstanding  sometimes  I  rhyme, 
Ever  to  take  this  hand  of  mine. 

But  still  for  all,  I  thee  admire, 

On  thee  would  gaze  both  day  and  night, 

Unerring  tune  thy  golden  lyre, 

Repeat  those  songs  which  give  delight. 

Lady,  I  feel  a  holy  fire 

Always  when  dwelling  in  thy  sight, 

Nor  would  I  here  more  wealth  desire, 

Did  I  possess  a  gem  so  bright. 


ACROSTIC. 
BLUSHING  now  with  the  tint  of  health, 

Sing  on  God's  praises  free ; 

F 

Bless'd  with  that  grace,  more  prized  than  wealth, 
Each  sinful  pleasure  flee ; 
Looking  above,  and  like  myself, 
Long  with  the  Lord  to  be. 


4:8  EGBERT   BLACKWELL?S 


ACEOSTIC. 

(Composed  in  1860.) 
SURPASSED  by  none  beneath  the  sun, 

At  his  face  we  love  to  gaze ; 

Dull  care  begone,  from  morn  till  morn. 
One  so  wise  we  love  to  praise ; 
Untainted  by  corruption's  dye, 
Generous  man,  possessing  worth, 
Let  every  State  his  acts  relate, 
And  spread  his  fame,  and  him  proclaim 
Superior  to  the  sons  of  earth. 


MORAL    LESSON— A     WOMAN'S    PROMISE. 

HENRY  CAEET,  cousin  to  Queen  Elizabeth,  after  having  enjoyed  her  majesty's 
favor  for  several  years,  lost  it  in  the  following  manner:  As  he  was  walking  one 
day,  full  of  thought,  in  the  garden  of  the  palace,  under  the  Queen's  window,  she 
perceived  him,  and  said  to  him,^n  a  jocular  manner:  "What  does  a  man  think 
of  when  he  ia  thinking  of  nothing  ?" 

"  Upon  a  woman's  promise,"  said  Carey. 

"Well  done,  cousin,"  answered  Elizabeth. 

She  retired,  but  did  not  forget  Carey's  answer.  Some  time  after  he  solicited 
the  honor  of  a  peerage,  and  reminded  the  Queen  that  she  had  promised  it  to  him. 

"  True,"  replied  she,  "  but  that  was  a  woman's  promise." 


ORIGINAL  ACROSTICS.  49 

ACROSTIC. 

HENCEFORTH  we  are  of  him  bereft, 
Of  him  who  won  a  name 
No  other  mortal  man  has  left 
On  these  low  shores  of  fame. 
Rising  from  youth  to  fame  and  might, 
And  with  the  wise  and  great, 
Benign  he  labored,  day  and  night, 
Long  grievance  to  abate ; 
Endeared  to  us  and  deep  in  thought, 

He  did  his  wit  display, 
Even  those  who  his  ruin  sought 
No  harm  of  him  could  say, 
Refuting  every  doctrine  bad, 
Yet  craving  not  a  name ; 

Calm,  and  in  his  right  mind  clad, 
Leaped  up  to  wealth  and  fame. 
At  Washington  he  passed  away, 
Yet  his  fame  can  ne'er  decay. 

(  Written  on  Ms  death.} 


ACROSTIC. 

RESPECTED  by 
Each  mortal  true, 
Victorious  on 

The  right  pursue  ; 
Make  all  you  can 

From  sin  to  flee ; 
In  doing  which 
Now  pray  that  we 
Not  one  may  err ; 
Each  loving  worth, 
Your  name  revere. 


50 


KOBEKT  BLACKWELL  8 


ACROSTIC. 

THOUGH  tea,  you  know,  caused  blood  to  flow, 
Extol  it  still,  I  trust  you  will, 
And  buy  of  me,  and  let  me  go. 


ACROSTIC. 

ALL  admire  tliy  beauty,  thy  streets  are  so  wide, 
Undefiled  by  drunkards,  few  passing  this  way ; 
Green  wave  thy  tall  trees,  of  rich  Georgia  the  pride, 
Undergoing  a  change,  for  the  better,  each  day, 
Spreading  and  lengthening ;  here  thousands  have  rolled 
To  greet  their  true  friends  and  companions  of  old, 
And  made,  by  industry,  ten  thousands  of  gold, 


ORIGINAL   ACKOSTICS.  51 


ACKOSTIC. 

HEAD  her  life,  ye  rich,  and  poor, 
Unbounded  praises  to  her  give ; 
Though  she  died  in  days  of  yore, 
Her  virtuous  name  will  ever  live. 

(The  Moabitess.] 


.  ACROSTIC. 

MAJESTIC  and  rich,  her  name  we  adore, 
A  comfort  to  all,  to  the  rich  and  the  poor ; 
Revealing  true  worth  to  the  men  of  each  State, 
Yet  half  of  her  charms  we  can  not  relate ; 
Look  at  her  cities  and  mansions  around, 
Alive  with  sweet  ladies,  for  beauty  renowned ; 
IsTeat  and  most  lovely,  behold  them,  we  pray, 
Directing  their  course  to  the  mansions  of  day. 


52  T.OEEKT  BLACKWELI/S 


ACEOSTIC. 

MOST  solemn  sight,  to  them  delight, 
As  their  hands  they  willing  join ; 
Roll  on,  ye  years,  be  free  from  cares, 
Rich  flowers  round  their  pathway  twine. 
It  has  been  said  that  those  who  wed 
Are  the  ones  most  free  from  strife ; 
Glad  tidings  to  the  high  and  low, 
Each  man  should  get  a  lovely  wife. 


MORAL    LESSON— HOW    TO     WIN. 

A  MAX  who  is  very  rich  now,  was  very  poor  when  he  was  a  boy.  When 
asked  how  he  got  his  riches,  he  replied :  "  11  y  father  taught  me  never  to  play 
till  my  work  was  finished,  never  to  spend  money  until  I  had  earned  it.  If  I  had 
but  half  an  hour's  work  to  do  in  a  day,  I  must  do  that  the  first  thing,  and  in 
half  an  hour.  And  after  this  I  was  allowed  to  play ;  and  I  could  then  play  with 
much  more  pleasure  than  if  I  had  the  thought  of  an  unfinished  task  before  my 
mind.  I  early  formed  the  habit  of  doing  every  thing  in  its  time,  and  it  soon 
became  perfectly  easy  to  do  so.  It  is  to  this  habit  I  owe  my  prosperity." 

Let  every  one  who  reads  this  go  and  do  likewise,  and  he  will  meet  a  similar 
reward. 


OKIGINAL   ACROSTICS. 


5.°, 


ACKOSTIC. 

THE  learned  and  the  wise, 

How  I  love  and  I  prize 

Each,  virtue  composing  their  worth. 

Like  angels  they  shine, 

All  lovely,  divine, 

Dispelling  much  darkness  from  earth. 

In  the  days  of  their  youth 

Embracing  the  truth, 

Soothing  the  high  and  the  low. 

Observe  what  I  say, 
For  a  moment,  I  pray, 

Just  view  them  as  onward  they  go, 
Adorning  each  street, 
Conversing  so  sweet, 
Kind-hearted,  most  noble  and  free, 
Sublime  are  their  ways. 
On  them  when  I  gaze, 
!No  blemish  nor  error  I  see. 


THE    HEN   AND     THE    SWALLOW. 

A  HEN,  finding  some  serpent's  eggs  in  a  dung-hill,  sat  upon  them  with  a  de- 
sign to  hatch  them,  A  swallow,  pen  eiving  it,  Hew  toward  her  and  said,  with 
some  warmth  and  passion :  "  Aro  you  mad,  to  sit  hovering  over  a  breed  of  such 
pernicious  creatures  as  you  do?  Be  as-urcd,  the  moment  you  bring  them  to 
light,  you  are  the  first  they  will  attack  and  wreak  their  venomous  spite  upon." 


54:  ROBERT   BLACKWELI/S 

ACROSTIC. 

So  lovely  and  sweet,  with  virtues  complete, 

And  a  mind  unclouded  and  pure, 

Regard  what  I  write  ; 

Although  'tis  night, 

Had  I  wings  I'd  fly  to  thy  door. 

Proud  to  tell,  I  love  thee  so  well. 

My  affections  are  flowing  to  thee, 
One  word  more,  I  pray — 
Observe  what  I  say, 
Next  week  be  looking  for  me. 


ACROSTIC. 

SWEET  smiles,  more  bright  than  rays  of  light, 
Adorn  those  lovely  cheeks  of  thine ; 
Looking  so  neat,  with  charms  complete, 
Lady,  now  say,  wilt  thou  be  mine  ? 
If  thou  art  free,  by  marrying  me, 
Each  day  I'll  try  to  comfort  thee, 

And  make  thy  life  quite  free  from  strife, 

Justly  acting  toward  my  wife, 
Expecting  her  my  heart  to  cheer, 
Never  to  scold,  but  call  me  dear. 
Now  hear  me  through,  believe  me,  too, 
I  love  thy  smiling  face  to  view. 
No  mortal  man  here  living  can 
Give  unto  thee  a  heart  so  free, 
So  full  of  love  as  mine  for  thee. 


ORIGINAL    ACROSTICS. 


55 


ACROSTIC. 

THERE  are  some  who  of  thy  ffltnre  doubt ; 
Has  thou  one  word  ?     Now  speak  it  out, 
Ere  thy  name  be  lost  to  fame. 

Already  certain  men  are  saying,        0  ' 
Thy  vital  chords  they  are  decaying ; 
Lion  of  the  sea,  awake  ! 
And  make  those  babblers  fear  and  quake. 
Now  we  beseech,  if  thou  art  able, 
To  prove  thyself  a  talking  cable, 
Interchange  one  word  or  so, 
Concerning  of  thy  present  woe ; 

Cleave  each  rock  beneath  the  sea, 
And  prove  thyself  indeed  to  be 
Beneficial  to  the  free  ; 
Like  a  king  from  slumber  wake, 
Exulting,  and  thy  sceptre  take. 

(Composed  on  its  refusing  to  operate?) 


56  ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 

ACROSTIC. 

MOMENTS  fast  are  gliding  by  us  ; 
In  procession  on  they  hie, 
Speechless,  yet  proclaiming  loudly 
That  we  are  mortal,  and  must  die ; 
Ere  another  day  has  fled, 
Remember,  sir,  we  may  be  dead. 

How  short  our  life,  at  longest,  here ; 
Upon  this  subject  let  us  think, 
Make  efforts  for  to  win  the  skies, 
Ere  to  endless  pain  we  sink. 


ACKOSTIC. 

WHILE  now 
In  youth, 
Love  God, 
Love  truth ; 
In  strength 
All  glorious, 
March  on 

Victorious. 

May  the  God 
Of  the  free, 
Overruling, 
Nourish  thee. 

(A  bay  about  nine  years  old.} 


ORIGINAL   ACKOSTICS.  57 


ACROSTIC. 

JOHN,  dear  brother,  onward  go, 
Overcoming  every  foe ; 
Heavy  though  thy  burdens  be, 
Never  cease  to  pray  for  me. 

Look  at  what  we  have  to  do 

Before  we  can  bright  Canaan  view; 
Love  for  God  we  must  possess, 
And  pray  the  Lord  our  foes  to  bless ; 
Conscious  we  are  born  to  die, 
Keep  thine  eyes  uplifted  high  ; 
Witn  confidence  to  Jesus  pray 
Every  hour  throughout  the  day ; 
Loving  Him  who  died  for  thee, 
Let  me  repeat,  now  pray  for  me. 

{My  youngest  J3rother.) 
a*- 


58 


KOBEKT   BLACKWELI/S 


ACEOSTIC. 

TURN  this  book,  and  at  us  look, 
Heed  our  features,  too, 
Expressive,  fine,  our  faces  shine, 

To  please  such  folks  as  you ; 

With  heads  but  four,  we  want  no  more, 

Our  eyes  give  us  no  light ; 

Our  ears  are  deaf,  but  yet  no  grief 

Disturbs  us  day  or  night ; 

Deprived  of  feet,  we  can  not  walk 

In  houses  where  we  go ; 

The  reason  why  we  do  not  sigh 

Is  left  for  you  to  know. 

Ever  free  from  care  are  we, 

So  turn  this  book,  and  at  us  look. 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  59 


ACROSTIC. 

COMMISSIONED  by  the  king  of  Spain, 

He  did  a  fleet  of  ships  prepare ; 

Rejoicing,  westward  he  set  sail 

In  search  of  land,  he  knew  not  where 

Some  asserted  he  would  find 

The  ocean  deep,  a  boundless  main ; 

Others,  by  sailing  west  it  would 

Prevent  his  coming  back  again. 

Hopeful  still  he  kept  his  course, 

Ere  long  our  glorious  land  he  sees, 

Rich,  and  covered  o'er  with  trees. 

Confirmed  in  what  he  thought  was  true, 
Our  lovely  land  he  bids  farewell ; 
Leaving  this,  with  joy  he  went 
Unto  his  own  the  news  to  tell. 
Men  soon  flocked  here  from  every  clime, 
Both  young  and  old,  the  rich  and  poor, 
Until  we  see  this  happy  land 
Scattered  now  with  cities  o'er. 

CHRISTOPHER  COLUMBUS  was  a  native  of  Genoa,  and  died  at  Valladolid,  in  the 
year  1506,  being  about  seventy  years  old.  But  this  great  man  was  unjustly  de- 
prived of  the  honor  of  giving  his  name  to  this  continent  by  Americus  Vespu- 
cius,  a  native  of  Florence,  who  claimed  the  honor  of  being  the  first  discoverer 
of  the  main  land. 


60  EGBERT  BLACKWELL'S 


ACKOSTIC. 

No  State  more  free  from  debt  than  she ; 
O  could  the  proud  her  farms  but  see  ! 
Rich  farms  of  tar,  rich  farms  of  pitch — 
They  would,  methinks,  pronounce  her  rich. 
Her  bottom-land  is  very  good, 

Covered  with  the  best  of  wood, 
And  will  produce,  when  cleared  away, 
Rich  crops  of  wheat,  rich  crops  of  hay, 
Oats,  too,  and  corn,  tobacco  and  rye, 
Leap  like  tall  trees,  and  seek  the  sky ; 
Inviting  us  to  go  and  view, 
Not  only  men,  but  women  true, 
At  work  in  corn  and  cotton,  too. 


ACROSTIC. 

VIRGINIA  !  Virginia !  I  love  thee  so  well ! 
In  youth  o'er  thy  hills  and  thy  streams  did  I  roam  ; 
Resplendent  with  cities,  in  thee  could  I  dwell, 
Glad,  glad,  would  I  leave  thee,  my  fair  sunny  home. 
It  was  on  thy  soil  that  my  parents  first  gazed, 
Near  Banister  river,  not  far  from  its  mouth ; 
Industrious,  their  children  to  labor  they  raised, 
And,  hoping  to  enrich  us,  they  moved  to  the  South. 


DEAR  MISS. 

THOU  art  by  far  more  dear  to  me 
Than  all  the  gold  and  gems  that  be, 
Whether  on  land  or  on  the  sea 
There's  none  that  can  compare  with  thee. 

Thou  art  my  own  true  heart's  delight, 
Of  thee  I  think  both  day  and  night ; 
And  this  I  deem  but  just  and  right, 
Since  I  can  live  but  in  thy  light. 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  61 

ACROSTIC. 

MOST  lovely  one, 

I  know  of  none 

So  learned  as  thee  beneath  the  sun ; 

Thine  eyes  are  bright, 

Reflecting  light, 

Enrapturing  me  with  true  delight ; 

So  do  not  scorn  at  me,  forlorn, 

Since  on  thy  name  I  love  to  write. 

Made  for  to  cheer, 

And  wipe  each  tear 

Rolling  down  from  eyes  most  dear  ; 

The  humble  poor 

Haste  to  thy  door, 

And  feed  upon  thy  bounteous  store. 

Pleased  with  worth, 

Relieving  dearth. 

In  the  highest  circles  on  the  earth, 

Nymphs  we  see 

Conversing  free, 

Endeavoring  hard  to  vie  with  thee. 


62  ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 

ACROSTIC. 

NEATER  by  far  than  a  fins  gold  ring, 
And  once  on  a  time,  hearing  her  sing, 
Nightingales  came,  her  presence  to  greet, 
Conscious  that  they  her  music  could  beat, 
Yet  failing  in  this,  did  quickly  retreat, 

Resolving  no  more  in  the  land  to  be  heard. 
Excelled  at  last,  by  a  mortal  endeared, 
Visions  of  glory  all  vanished  away ; 
Each  fearing  to  speak,  did  secretly  say 
She  sang  more  sweet  than  an  angel  to-day. 


ACROSTIC. 

FAIREST  one,  in  thee  we  find 
A  virtuous,  pure,  contented  mind ; 
Not  only  learned,  not  only  wise ; 
No  man  of  sense  can  fail  to  prize 
Your  captivating,  lovely  eyes. 

Shedding  light  on  all  that  be, 
Making  men  to  bow  to  thee ; 
In  vain  they  bow,  in  vain  they  chat, 
They  tell  thee  this,  they  tell  thee  that, 
Hear  them  not,  but  marry  me. 

(Of  Springfield,  Mo.) 


PRAISE. 

THE  love  of  praise,  howe'er  concealed  by  art, 
Reigns,  more  or  less,  and  glows  in  every  heart ; 
The  proud,  to  gain  it,  toils  on  toils  endure, 
The  modest  shun  it  but  to  make  it  sure. — YOUNG. 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS. 


63 


ACEOSTIC. 

BOUNDLESS  source  of  information — 
Information  for  the  blind, 
Bringing  words  of  consolation, 
Life  and  peace  to  soothe  the  mind 
Exposed  to  grief  of  every  kind. 


ACROSTIC. 

NEWLY  settled, 

Enriched  with  fountains, 

Bounded  by 

Rough  hills  and  mountains, 

And  some  of  them, 

So  very  high, 

Kiss  every  cloud 

As  passing  by. 


64  ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 

ACEOSTIC. 

'Tis  vain  to  try  to  please  such  folks, 
Holding  their  heads  like  towering  oaks ; 
Each  wrapped  in  self,  can  plainly  see 

Some  error  in  all  men  that  be 

Except  themselves,  in  whom  they  view 

Learning,  wit,  and  grandeur,  too. 

Forgetting  all  but  self  alone, 

In  search  of  wealth,  to  evil  prone : 

Such  living  thus  and  dying  so, 

How  can  they  up  to  glory  go  ? 


ACEOSTIC. 

ENRICH'D,  refin'd,  with  brilliant  mind, 
Love  we  to  sing  of  one  so  kind, 
In  whom  we  do  perfection  view. 
Zealous  in  works,  most  learn'd  and  true, 
Alluring  to  right,  ye  sons  of  might, 
Behold  in  her  all  graces  bright. 
Enchanted  by  her  piercing  eye, 
The  good,  the  wise,  the  great  and  high, 
Her  name  should  love  while  ages  fly. 

How  few  on  earth  possess  such  worth, 

Discreet  and  wise,  of  noble  birth ; 
All  that  is  true  in  her  we  view, 
Made  up  of  charms  and  graces,  too  ; 
Each  hour,  each  day,  she  goes  to  pray, 
Receiving  strength  to  cheer  her  way ; 
On  glory  bent,  with  good  intent 
Ne'er  was  a  soul  to  ruin  sent. 


ORIGINAL    ACROSTICS. 


ACEOSTIC. 

WHILE  men  of  sense  still  drink  of  thee, 
How  can  we  hope  much  good  to  see  ? 
It  seems,  indeed,  most  strange  to  me 
Such  men  should  boast  as  being  free ; 
Kept  in  chains,  in  fetters  bound, 
Yet  simple  people  pour  thee  down. 


ACKOSTIC. 
(Address  to  Rum,  Brandy,  and  Whisky.} 

RIVERS  of  blood  you  cause  to  flow, 
Enslaving  men  where'er  you  go  ; 
Yain  are  tears  of  babes  or  wife  ; 
Endless  cares  you  bring,  and  strife  ; 
Love  and  hope  you  banish  quite. 
Remorseless  foes,  how  great  your  might ! 
In  the  strength  of  One  more  strong 
Even  than  the  powers  of  wrong, 
Should  we  learn  your  sight  to  spurn. 


66  EGBERT  BLACKWELL'S 

ACROSTIC. 

LOVELY  maiden,  thy  charms  have  enraptured  my  gaze, 
And  thy  various  accomplishments  challenge  my  praise. 
Unlooked  for,  I  met  thee,  one  cold  winter's  night ; 
Refined  by  all  graces,  like  an  angel  of  light, 
All  thy  songs  and  sweet  smiles  gave  my  heart  true  delight. 

In  the  days  of  my  boyhood,  an  angelic  form 
Stood  by  me  and  blessed  me  from  evening  till  morn, 
And  thy  form  and  thy  features,  thy  music  and  lore 
Beguile  me,  as  did  that  bright  vision  of  yore. 
Even  now,  in  my  fancy,  thy  image  I  see, 
Like  a  rainbow  of  glory  bending  o'er  me. 

Bright  being  of  beauty,  I  now  bow  at  thy  shrine, 
Reject  not  my  suit,  but  be  mine,  only  mine ; 
And  strewed  with  sweet  flowers  thy  pathway  shall  be, 
Gems  right  from  Golconda,  and  pearls  from  the  sea, 
Glad,  glad,  will  I  purchase  and  present  unto  thee. 


ACROSTIC. 

MEEK,  modest,  and  kind, 

And  in  language  refined, 

Respected  by  all,  and  especially  by  me ; 

Yet  who  could  proclaim 

To  the  world  all  thy  charms,     „ 

Should  they  live  while  ages  shall  flee. 
(Of  Tennessee?) 


ORIGINAL   ACKOSTICS. 


C7 


ACKOSTIC. 

THAT  deer  we  see  is  now  in  danger, 
Hemmed  around  by  deadly  foes ; 
Each  one  to  liim  a  total  stranger, 

Craves  to  catcli  liim  by  the  nose ; 
He  seems  to  dread  the  thought  of  dying, 
As,  leaping  o'er  those  mighty  logs, 
Swiftly,  swiftly,  now  see  him  flying, 
Ere  long  to  be  but  food  for  dogs. 


ACEOSTIC. 

SEEN  through  no  glass,  to  the  naked  eye 
They  look  like  gems  set  in  the  sky ; 
And  yet  they  are  but  planets  high  ; 
Revolving  round  ten  thousand  suns, 
Swift,  yet  smooth,  as  water  runs. 


68 


EGBERT  BLACKWELL'S 


ACEOSTIO. 

(Composed  in  1860.) 

WHILE  looking  at  thee  such  grandeur  I  see, 
As  beggars  description  from  a  mortal  like  me ; 
So  enchanting  thy  charms,  and  free  from  alarms, 
Here  fain  would  I  live  secure  in  thine  arms. 
I  read  of  thy  name  as  connected  with  fame, 
!N"ot  forgetting  from  whence  thy  Father  he  came ; 
Great,  glorious,  and  free,  here  his  image  I  see, 
'Tis  chiseled  in  stone,  immortal  to  be  ; 
On  his  virtues  to  dwell  makes  my  bosom  now  swell, 
NVer  hoping,  yet  trying,  all  his  merits  to  tell. 

Could  I  live  through  all  time  on  a  subject  sublime, 
It  would  give  me  true  joy,  methinks,  could  I  rhyme  ; 
Though  Time  in  its  flight  his  image  may  blight, 
Yet  his  name  it  will  live  while  the  stars  give  us  light. 


ORIGINAL    ACROSTICS.  69 

ACROSTIC. 

NE'ER  falter  nor  pine,  though  troubles  arise, 
Extending,  like  darkness  surrounding  the  skies, 
TVith  freedom  to  guide  thee,  till  time  it  shall  close, 

Hold  fast  to  the  Union,  in  spite  of  all  foes  ; 
And  the  Author  of  freedom,  the  King  of  the  skies, 
Most  gracious  and  holy,  he  hears  all  thy  cries, 
Protects  and  directs  thee,  unseen  though  he  be, 
Supported  by  him  are  the  States  of  the  Free ; 
His  arms  are  around  thee,  his  power  defends, 
Immanuel,  King  Jesus,  the  best  of  all  friends, 
Reclaim  thee  when  swerving  from  truth  and  from  right, 
Ere  shades  of  deep  darkness  ingulf  thee  in  night. 


ACROSTIC. 

THROUGH  thee  the  loveliest  rivers  glide, 
Enriching  thee  on  every  side. 
No  truer  hearts  a  State  can  boast, 
No  fairer  maidens  love  can  toast. 
Each  rill  of  thine  is  dear  to  me, 
Sweet  land,  most  lovely  Tennessee. 
So  long  as  life  this  heart  shall  warm, 
E'er  to  thee  my  thoughts  will  turn, 
Emblem  of  the  Eternal  One.* 

*  Trinity  in  Unit}7,  three  States  by  natural  division,  yet  one  in  fact. 


70  EGBERT  BLACKWELL'S 

ACEOSTIC. 

(Composed  on  her  losing  her  Mother  and  only  Daughter.) 

SWEET  sister,  cease  to  fret  and  pine 
About  departed  friends  of  thine ; 
Remember  now  they  brightly  shine, 
And  sing  of  their  Redeemer's  love, 
High  in  the  realms  of  bliss  above. 

All  their  tears  have  ceased  to  flow, 
No  parting  there,  no  death,  no  woe, 
Nor  chilling  winds  in  heaven  blow. 

The  Word  of  Life  to  them  was  sweet, 
It  led  them  to  the  Savior's  feet ; 
They  lived  in  peace  and  love  with  all, 
So  long  as  on  this  earthly  ball .; 
We  little  thought  their  end  was  nigh  ; 
Of  death  they  speak,  and  without  a  sigh 
Rejoiced  that  they  were  born  to  die ; 
They  loved  the  Lord,  and  loved  the  day 
He  called  them  from  the  earth  away. 

(Of  Crawford  County,  Arkansas.) 


ACROSTIC. 

SOURCE  of  heat  and  source  of  light, 
Upholding  by  thy  strength  and  might 
Numerous  seas  and  planets  bright. 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS. 


ACROSTIC. 

ACCOMPLISHED  one,  most  kind  and  free, 
No  one  on  land,  no  one  on  sea, 
Need  ever  hope  to  vie  with  thee. 

How  it  thrills  my  heart  to  write 
On  one  so  lovely  and  so  bright ; 
With  a  form  so  good  and  fine, 
And  virtues  which  doth  sweetly  shine 
Resplendent  as  a  heavenly  ray 
Descending  from  the  orb  of  day. 

(Of  Conway  County,  Arkansas.} 


SYMPATHY. 

NATURE  has  cast  me  in  so  soft  a  mold, 
That  but  to  hear  a  story  feigned  for  pleasure, 
Of  some  sad  lover's  death,  moistens  my  eyes, 
And  robs  me  of  my  manhood. — DKYDEN. 


72  EGBERT  BLACKWELL'S 


ACEOSTIC. 

Go  on,  go  on,  from  strength  to  strength, 

Enterprising,  and  at  length 

One  more  railroad  will  be  done, 

Heady  for  the  cars  to  run. 

Go  on,  go  on,  improvements  make, 

It  is  time  for  States  to  wake, 

And  from  thee  some  lessons  take. 


ACEOSTIC. 

COUNTEY  far  renowned  for  gold, 
And  for  soil,  rich  and  new, 
Lofty  hills  and  torrents  bold, 
Immense  streams,  and  branches,  too, 
Flow  through  thy  hills  of  old. 
O  happy  laud,  illustrious  one, 
Richest,  brightest  clime  that  be, 
!N"o  land,  no  State,  beneath  the  sun, 
In  all  God's  wide  dominion  free, 
Acquires  wealth  so  fast  as  thee. 


ACROSTIC. 

ADOBNED  with  fields  of  cotton  white, 
Realm  of  wealth  and  realm  of  light, 
Keeping  step  with  States  that  be 
Allied  to  all  the  brave  and  free. 
New.  yet  firm  and  brave  she  stands, 
Supporting  those  who  till  her  lands ; 
And  from  men  beyond  the  sea 
She  buys  her  coffee,  spice,  and  tea. 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  73 


ACEOSTIC. 

EQUALED  by  none  of  any  station, 
Made  up  of  virtues  shining  bright ; 
Men  of  sense,  of  education, 
Acknowledge  thee  a  shining  light. 

Thou  art  the  idol  of  the  day, 
Honored  by  the  young  and  old, 
One  more  rich,  and  one  more  gay, 
My  eyes  did  never  yet  behold ; 
And  yet  to  think  that  we  must  part, 
Sends  pain  and  anguish  to  my  heart. 


ACEOSTIC. 

STILL  upward  gaze, 

Pour  forth  thy  praise, 

Entreating  God  our  land  to  save ; 

No  one  we  see 

Compares  with  thee, 

Except  the  noble,  good,  and  brave. 

Kedeemed  by  love, 

Continue  to  prove, 

Religion  can  the  heart  refine ; 

Our  sins  subdue, 

Giving  us,  too, 

Essential  joys  for  which  we  pine. 

(Of  Memphis.) 
4 


14: 


KOBEET  BLACKWELL'S 


OBIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  75 

l 

ACEOSTIC. 

ZEALOUS  was  lie  to  keep  us  all  free, 

And  to  marcli  us  in  triumph  o'er  the  powers  that  be ; 

Counselor  and  chief  in  the  days  of  our  grief, 

He  flew  to  our  aid,  and  gave  us  relief; 

As  a  true  worthy  son,  our  battles  he  won, 

Hushing  on  foes  he  made  them  all  run, 

Yelling  like  hounds  at  the  crack  of  a  gun. 

The  glance  of  his  eye  made  the  Mexicans  fly, 
All  dreading  his  sword  and  fearing  to  die ; 
Yet  thousands  withstood  our  General  so  good, 
Leaving  his  men  to  tread  in  the  blood 
Of  cowards  and  foes  who  slept  in  repose, 
Requiring  some  one  their  eyelids  to  close. 

Born  in  Virginia,  November  24,  1784.     President  from  March  4,  1849,  to  hia 
death,  July  9,  1850 — one  year,  four  months  and  five  days. 


MORAL    LESSON— THE    TWO    RIVEES. 

Evil  communications  (associations)  corrupt  good  manners. 

THE  waters  of  the  Mississippi  and  Missouri  unite  and  form  one  river.  The 
water  of  the  latter  is  exceedingly  turbid,  and  the  former  clear.  When  they 
first  meet  the  waters  refuse  to  mingle.  The  clear  and  muddy  water  flows  along, 
forming  one  river ;  but  you  can  clearly  distinguish  the  one  from  the  other.  By 
degrees  the  clear,  bright  waters  of  the  one  become  united  with  those  of  the  other, 
and  the  clearness  is  lost  forever. 

THE  APPLICATION. 

Virtuous  and  vicious  persons  can  associate  for  a  time,  keeping  their  charac- 
ters distinct.  But  if  the  associations  be  continued,  the  virtuous,  pure  character 
will  become  soiled  by  the  vicious.  No  one  can  associate  freely  with  the  wicked 
without  becoming  in  some  measure  like  them. 


T6  KOBEBT  BLACK  WELL'S 

ACEOSTIC. 

DISTINGUISHED  for  thy  skill,  to  save 
Our  fellow-men  when  near  the  grave ; 
Cross  mighty  streams  thy  drugs  to  test, 
They  being  the  purest  and  the  best, 
Of  vital  strength,  more  prized  than  wealth, 
Restores  the  sick  to  perfect  health. 

Just  such  a  man  we  love  to  view, 
Learn'd  in  Greek  and  Latin,  too. 

Continue  on  thy  bright  career, 
Our  people  cheering  far  and  near, 
Loving  thy  friends,  when  near  the  grave, 
Exert  thy  skill  each  one  to  save. 

(My  Mother's  Youngest  Brother,  Greensboro,  2f.  (7.) 


ACEOSTIC. 

COMPOSED  of  vapors  shining  bright, 
Of  wondrous  size,  yet  harmless  light, 
Men  view  thee  as  a  burning  ball, 
Expecting  soon  to  see  thee  fall 
To  this  low  world,  and  kill  us  all. 


ACROSTIC. 

LUMINOUS,  most  useful,  most  lovely  to  scan, 
It  falls  directly  or  obliquely  on  man, 
Graceful  in  carriage,  and  pleasing  to  behold, 
Highly  prized,  yea,  precious  as  gold, 
The  thing  we  most  need  to  cheer  us  when  old. 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS. 


ACKOSTIC. 

TRULY  kind, 
Hence  we  find 
Each  of  them 

Like  the  moon 
And  stars  at  night 
Directing  us 
Into  the  right ; 
Each  of  them 
Shining  bright ; 

Offending  none, 
Firm  and  true, 

Conversing  free, 
As  ladies  clo ; 
Ne'er  disposed 
To  act  amiss ; 
Our  good  they  seek, 
No  other  bliss. 


UNWEARYING  in  thy  efforts  be 
To  join  thyself  to  States  now  free. 
As  happy  as  the  sun  that  sheds 
His  rays  on  our  devoted  heads. 


78 


KOBEKT  BLACK  WELL  S 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  79 

(Composed  on  his  triumphal  March  through  Georgia.) 

GRAPPLING  with  foes,  he  stratagem  shows, 
Evincing  his  skill  wherever  he  goes. 
Now  view  him,  we  pray,  while  fighting  to-day, 
Every  one  to  him  their  homage  should  pay. 
Rebels  are  lying  around  him,  and  crying 
Aloud  for  help,  while  others  are  flying 
Like  Arabs,  scared,  pursuers  defying. 

So  restless  is  he  to  cope  with  old  Lee ; 
He's  marching,  and  soon  through  Georgia  will  be 
Extending  his  sway — each  hour,  each  day — 
Revealing  true  worth  for  his  triumph  we  pray. 
May  the  Lord's  own  arm  protect  him  from  harm, 
And  his  soldiers  incline  to  march  in  a  line, 
Never  once  to  flag,  to  falter,  nor  pine. 

Born  in  Lancaster,  Ohio,  on  the  8th  of  February,  1820. 


FABLE— THE  MOLE  AND  HER  DAM. 

A  YOUNG  mole  snuffed  up  her  nose,  and  told  her  dam  she  smelt  an  odd  kind 
of  a  smell.  By  and  by,  "  0,  strange !  '  says  she,  "  what  a  noise  there  is  in  my 
ears ;  as  if  ten  thousand  paper  mills  were  going."  A  little  after,  she  was  at  it 
again.  "Look,  look,  what  is  that  I  see  yonder  ?  it  is  just  like  the  flames  of  a 
fiery  furnace."  To  whom  the  dam  replied,  "  Prithee,  child,  hold  your  idle 
tongue :  and  if  you  would  have  us  allow  you  any  sense  at  all,  do  not  affect  to 
show  more  than  nature  has  given  you." 

THE  APPLICATION. 

It  is  wonderful  that  affectation,  that  odious  quality,  should  have  been  always 
so  common  and  epidemical,  since  it  is  not  more  disagreeable  to  others  than  hurt- 
lul  to  the  person  that  wears  it.  By  affectation,  we  aim  at  being  thought  to  pos- 
sess some  accomplishments  which  we  have  not,  or,  at  showing  what  we  have  in 
a  conceited,  ostentatious  manner.  Now  this  we  may  be  assured  of,  that,  among 
discerning  people  at  least,  when  we  endeavor  at  any  thing  of  this  kind,  instead 
of  succeeding  in  the  attempt,  we  detract  from  some  real  possession,  and  make 
qualities,  that  would  otherwise  pass  well  enough,  appear  nauseous  and  fulsome. 


80  KOBEKT  BLACKWELL'S 

ACEOSTIC. 

JUST  view  the  place  where  Jesus  first 

Embraced  the  sons  of  earth ; 

Round  it  he  walked,  and  preached  to  men 

Undying  words  of  worth, 

Salvation  free  to  rich  and  poor, 

And  peace  he  came  to  bring ; 

Look  now  at  it  and  Christ  adore, 

Ere  long  in  it  the  Lord  will  reign 

More  glorious  than  before. 


ACROSTIC. 

A  BUSINESS  place,  healthy  and  neat, 

The  point  where  four  great  railroads  meet ; 

Laureled  with  cars,  a  good  supply — 

All  the  time  those  cars  are  rolling, 

Never  tiring,  how  consoling, 

They  bring  us  things  for  which  we  sigh, 

And  things  we  need,  as  none  deny. 


ACROSTIC. 

FROM  what  I  see,  some  seek  for  thee, 
As  something  worthy  greeting ; 
Missing  their  aim,  they  thee  proclaim 
Elusive,  worthless,  fleeting. 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  81 

ACEOSTIC. 

His  race  is  run,  his  work  is  done, 

Our  statesman  and  our  friend ; 

No  more  will  we  his  features  see, 

Or  to  his  speech  attend. 

Rich  and  the  poor  his  loss  deplore, 

And  we  that  loved  him  well 

Bewail  the  day  he  passed  away, 

Leaving  us  in  tears  to  dwell. 

Earth's  fleeting  "breath  was  lost  in  death, 

Descending  to  the  tomb, 

Around  his  grave  bright  laurels  wave, 

Ne'er  may  they  cease  to  bloom. 

In  circles  high  death's  arrows  fly, 

Each  one  bringeth  sorrow  ; 

Life's  fleeting  ray  did  pass  away, 

When  death  he  hurled  his  arrow 

Equaled  by  few  we  ever  knew, 

Brilliant  the  road  he  trod, 

Serene  in  death,  gave  back  his  breath 

To  Christ,  his  mighty  God. 

Earth  felt  the  blow  when  he  sunk  low ; 

Refulgent  still  his  virtues  glow. 

(  Written  on  his  Death.} 


ACROSTIC. 

PRIZED  for  thy  worth, 
Haste  on  thy  way, 
Influenced  by 
Love's  cheering  ray. 

Cast  all  thy  care 
Here  on  the  Lord, 
Expecting  he 
Will  thee  reward. 


4  * 


82  EGBERT  BLACKWELL'S 


ACEOSTIC. 

JUST  here,  could  we  all  rum-shops  see 
At  once  put  down,  'twould  make  us  be 
More  prosperous,  loving,  kind,  and  free  ; 
And  as  we  do  all  hate  to  view 
Immortal  slain,  by  hundreds  too ; 
Can  we  stand  by  and  see  them  die, 
And  not  against  their  murderers  cry. 


ACROSTIC. 

REPEAT  its  charms,  ye  sons  of  earth, 
Improving  fast,  possessing  worth ; 
Yiew  all  its  mills  and  factories  high, 
Each  looming  up  toward  the  sky ; 
Receive  our  praise,  when  passing  by. 

Here  wealth  is  found,  and  not  a  few 
Enchanting  girls,  and  ladies  too ; 
And  all  of  them  on  whom  we  gaze, 
Deserve  from  us  our  richest  praise. 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  83 

ACEOSTIC. 

VERY  healthy,  mountainous,  and  rich  little  State, 

Endeared  to  the  humble,  the  wise,  and  the  great, 

Restraining  no  one,  all  acting  upright, 

May  walk  from  thy  shores  to  the  mansions  of  light. 

Of  all  thy  charms  no  mortal  can  tell, 

Xo  pen  can  relate  them,  all  loving  thee  well, 

They  wish  not  to  leave  thee  in  far  lands  to  dwell. 


ACROSTIC. 

DEAR  little  State,  to  thee  we  confess 
Each  beauty  of  thine  we  cannot  express ; 
Language  would  fail  us  to  tell  of  thy  charms, 
Adorned  with  fine  houses,  fine  cities,  fine  farms ; 
With  ladies  most  lovely,  as  the  learned  will  agree, 
And  gentlemen  from  all  vices  quite  free, 
Rich  and  refined  in  the  arts  of  true  worth, 
Extending  thy  fame  to  the  ends  of  the  earth.      ^ 


IN  all  our  transactions  with  mankind,  even  in  the  most  private  and  low  life, 
we  should  have  a  special  regard  how,  and  with  whom,  we  trust  ourselves.  Men, 
in  this  respect,  ought  to  look  upon  each  other  as  wolves,  and  to  keep  themselves 
under  a  secure  guard,  and  in  a  continual  posture  of  defense.  Particularly  upon 
any  treaties  of  importance  the  securities  on  both  sides  should  be  strictly  con- 
sidered, and  each  should  act  with  so  cautious  a  view  to  their  own  interest  as 
never  to  pledge  or  part  with  that  which  is  the  very  essence  and  basis  of  their 
safety  and  well-being. 


84  ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 


ACEOSTIC. 

DISCUSSING  subjects  most  important,  and  the  road  before  him 
viewing, 

On  his  march  to  the  battle-field,  to  save  our  glorious  land 
from  ruin, 

Charming  us  all  now  looking  at  him,  mounted  on  his  horse  so 
high; 

The  rebels  they  had  better  scatter,  if  they  do  not  wish  to  die 

On  the  gory  field  of  battle,  for  should  he  meet  the  traitorous 
horde, 

Hushing  on  them,  he  will  slay  them  with  his  keen  and  glit- 
tering sword. 

Just  view  him,  with  such  noble  soldiers,  onward  to  Virginia 
going; 

And  a  more  brave  and  skillful  leader  never  lived  among  the 
knowing. 

Armed  with  silver-mounted  pistols,  and  the  strongest  arm  we 

know, 
Possessing  courage  and  skill  to  use  it — clear  the  way,  each 

rebel  foe. 
Please  go  with  him  to  the  battle-field,  see  him,  when  there, 

'mid  smoke  and  fires, 

Laboring  to  perpetuate  that  freedom  bought  by  sainted  sires. 
Every  man  should  laud  his  bravery,  conscious  he  is  acting 

right ; 
We  should  follow  him  with  gladness,  and  praise  him,  too, 

when  we  see  him  fight. 

His  arm  is  raised,  his  sword  is  drawn^and  the  rebels  are  fall- 
ing near  him, 
Insurgent  foes,  all  in  the  wrong,  they  need  not  hope  to  scare 

him. 
Though  bullets  fall  thick  on  every  hand,  he  does  not  think  of 

dying, 
Exulting,  see  his  sword  now  wave,  while  the  rebels  they  are 

flying. 

(Composed  on  seeing  him  start  off  for  the  War.} 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  85 

ACEOSTIC. 

CALLOUS-HEARTED,  ruthless  man, 
He  devised  a  wicked  plan, 
And  took  poor  Lester's  life  away, 
Regardless  of  the  judgment-day ; 
Let  the  murderer  and  the  knave, 
Executed  by  the  brave, 
Sleep  forgot  within  his  grave. 

Clothed  with  crimes  of  the  blackest  dye, 
Observe  him  when  he  comes  to  die, 
Supported  by  the  sheriff's  hand — 
Guilty  wretch,  he  can  not  stand, 
Reflection  seems  to  cast  him  down ; 
One  more  step,  his  limbs  are  bound 
Very  close,  and  soon  he  swings, 
Encountering  death  with  all  its  stings. 

Who  was  hung  at  Little  Rock,  Arkansas,  1859,  for  killing 
a  man  for  his  money. 


AN  old  writer  gives  the  following  as  the  amount  of  sleep  demanded : 

NATURE  requires  five, 

Custom  gives  seven, 
Laziness  takes  nine, 

And  wickedness,  eleven. 


86  EGBERT  BLACKWELL'S 

ACEOSTIO. 

THE  prettiest  and  the  neatest,  the  loveliest  and  the  sweetest, 

Here  I  see ; 

Each  one  possessing  worth,  all  full  of  life  and  mirth, 

Laughing  free 

At  things  that  please  them  most,  and  while  of  them  I  boast, 

Dearest  me, 

I  wish  the  world  but  knew  how  noble,  wise,  and  true 

Each  seems  to  be, 

Sent  as  from  the  skies,  to  make  men  truly  wise, 

And  religious,  too ; 

To  soothe  their  hearts  with  joy,  my  pen  I  will  employ, 

Though  my  words  be  few ; 

How  can  I  love  them  less,  when  they,  indeed,  possess 

Each  virtue  true  ? 

Claiming  as  a  prize,  a  home  beyond  the  skies, 

Hoping  for  bliss, 

And  bidding  me  to  follow,  though  I  am  not  worth  one  dollar. 

Let  me  think  of  this ; 

Yon  heaven  which  they  seek,  was  made  for  all  the  meek, 

Beckoning  me  away, 

Enchanting  as  they  move,  toward  the  place  they  love, 

And  like  a  ray, 

They  cheer  me  all  the  while,  and  when  on  me  they  smile, 

Enriched  I  seem. 

And  for  each  person  here,  we  have  water  good  and  clear, 

Cooling  to  drink, 

Increasing  as  it  flows,  a  balm  for  earthly  woes ; 

Do  not  let  it  sink ; 

So  long  as  time  shall  glide,  and  men  on  earth  abide, 

Proclaim  its  worth ; 

Hushing  from  a  hill,  though  it  can  not  turn  a  mill, 

It  cures  the  sick ; 

No  one  should  doubt  my  word,  though  of  it  they've  not 

heard  ; 
Gather  round  it  quick. 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  87 

ACKOSTIC. 

(Composed  1860.) 

CEMENT  with  love  each  State  and  heart, 
Our  Union,  never  let  it  part ; 
Let  it,  though,  forever  stand 
Uninjured  by  a  tyrant's  hand. 
Make  mountains  tumble  in  the  sea, 
Before  we  let  this  Union  be 
In  its  pride  and  glory  hurled 
As  a  wreck  upon  the  world. 


ACEOSTIC. 

GIVING  lessons, 
Each  bright  and  new, 
Ne'er  swerving  from, 
Each  good  pursue. 
Renowned  for  sense 
And  learning,  too ; 
Lawyer,  statesman, 

Just,  wise,  and  true. 
A  hero,  brave, 
Men  love  to  view  ; 
Each  man  around 
Speaks  well  of  you. 

Yet  life  is  short, 
Earth's  glories  few, 
Live  not  for  fame 
Like  others  do. 


88  EOBEET  BLACKWELL'S 


ACEOSTIC. 

MOULDERING  though  thy  body  be, 
Yet  in  my  dreams  thy  form  I  see. 

My  tears  in  torrents  daily  fall 
O'er  thee ;  I  would,  but  can't  recall. 
Thou  art  gone  to  Christ,  thy  God, 
He  who  bought  thee  with  his  blood, 
Enabled  thee  to  run  thy  race, 
Raised  thee  now  to  see  his  face, 

Exalted  thee  to  hear  his  voice, 
Lifted  thee  ;  with  saints  rejoice 
In  holy  songs  of  perfect  love — 
Zion  and  her  walls  above, 
And  all  the  beauties  of  the  skies 
Before  thee  now  in  grandeur  lies. 
Expansive  view  of  love  divine, 
Thine  to  view,  forever  thine, 
Happiness  without  one  sigh, 

Precious  fruits  forever  nigh, 

Beheld  by  thee,  by  thee  enjoyed, 
Lasting,  ne'er  to  be  destroyed ; 
All  thy  cares  and  troubles  o'er, 
Christ  thy  praise  for  evermore. 
King  and  Priest,  be  he  my  stay, 
While  here  I  dwell  in  flesh  and  clay, 
Ever  knowing  death  is  nigh, 
Let  me  but  live,  let  me  but  die 
Like  thee,  and  meet  thee  in  the  sky. 

(Died  in  1858.) 


ORIGINAL   ACEOSTICS. 


89 


ACROSTIC. 


MY  darling,  I  fain  would  cross  the  deep  sea, 
And  quickly  return  with  riches  to  thee ; 
Rubies  and  diamonds  and  pearls  from  the  main, 
Yet  being  so  poor  all  my  wishes  are  vain. 
Thine  eyes  are  stars  which  gladden  the  heart, 
Bidding  all  gloom  and  sorrows  depart ; 
Laughing  and  blushing,  thy  smiles  they  are  balm, 
And  hover  around  my  passions  to  calm ; 
Consuming  their  dross,  and  making  me  be 
Kindly  disposed,  especially  to  thee, 
With  whom  I  do  hope  to  spend  a  long  life, 
Exultingly,  too,  caressing  my  wife, 
Laughing  at  want,  defying  all  pain, 
Living  in  hopes  of  living  again. 
(Composed  in  1858.) 


90 


EOBEET   BLACKWELL  8 


5 :  -  --  >    I 


ACEOSTIC8.  91 

ACEOSTIC. 
(My  Wife.) 

'Mm  pains  and  convulsions,  thy  soul  passed  away, 
And  rose,  as  I  trust,  to  the  realms  of  bright  day ; 
Reviving  the  thought,  though  thy  death  I  record, 
Yet  thou  art  now  happy  and  praising  the  Lord. 

To  win  me  to  Jesus  thou  seemed  to  be  sent, 

But,  strange  to  relate,  I  refused  to  repent, 
Loving  those  pleasures  which  last  but  a  day  ; 
All  thy  fond  pleadings  I  threw  them  away, 
Crushing  thy  hopes,  and  giving  thee  pain, 
Knowing  that  all  thy  efforts  were  vain  ; 
While  kindness  and  love  yet  beamed  in  thine  eyes, 
Earth  was  exchanged  for  a  home  in  the  skies, 
Leaving  me  here,  without  friends,  without  home, 
Loaded  with  sorrows,  'mid  strangers  to  roam. 


BUT  could  tears  of  anguish  wake  thee 
From  the  dark  and  lonely  grave, 

In  my  arms  I  now  would  take  thee, 
And  bless  the  Lord  who  died  to  save. 

But  in  that  grave  in  which  thou  sleepeth, 

No  sun  on  thee  will  ever  rise ; 
And  though  thy  husband  o'er  thee  weepeth, 

Never  canst  thou  hear  his  cries. 

Deaf  to  all  that  now  would  greet  thee, 
Cold  thy  brow  and  still  thy  heart, 

Yet  in  heaven  I  hope  to  meet  thee, 
Never  more  from  thee  to  part. 

(Composed  on  her  Death,  May  23,  1859.) 


92  BOBEBT  BLACKWELL'S 


[ONE  night,  at  a  party,  a  loquacious  inebriate,  libertine,  smoker,  and  chewer, 
asked  me  to  write  some  poetry  on  himself  and  a  couple  of  snuff-dippers  who  were 
sitting  by  him.  The  following  lines  I  then  composed,  and  read  within  their  hear- 
ing:] 

SOME  ladies  do  delight  to  joke, 

And  can  appreciate 
The  worth  of  those  who  drink  and  smoke, 

While  sober  men  they  hate. 

They  are,  they  think,  of  judges  best — 

Of  course  it  must  be  so  ; 
They  love  the  fop,  and  men  detest 

Who  can  not  make  a  show. 

Go  to  parties  where  oft  they  meet, 

And  view  them  all  the  while  ; 
The  man  who  talks  to  them  most  sweet, 

Though  ignorant,  low,  and  vile, 

He  is  the  man  to  please  them  most ; 

While  one  from  vices  free, 
Who  will  not  drink  to  them  a  toast, 

They  from  his  presence  flee. 

The  time  is  not  so  distant  when, 

If  things  go  on  this  way, 
All  truly  good  and  virtuous  men 

At  home  had  better  stay, 

Than  to  be  scorned  by  ladies,  who, 

Professing  vice  to  hate, 
Encourage  drunkards  not  a  few 

By  listening  to  them  prate. 

And  while  some  do  of  smoking  boast, 
And  love  to  dance  and  skip ; 


ORIGINAL   ACBOSTICS.  93 

Of  all  the  things,  we  hate  the  most 
To  see  one  chew  or  dip. 

And  still  we  do  regret  to  say, 

Some  use  tobacco  free ; 
Perhaps  one  thousand  pounds  per  day 

They  dip  in  Tennessee. 

Oh !  what  a  waste  of  time  and  wealth, 

And  what  else  does  it  do  ? 
It  always  does  impair  the  health, 

And  kills  the  user,  too. 

'Tis  dipping  brings  consumption  on — 

This  truth  none  can  deny — 
And  pales  the  cheek,  made  to  adorn 

The  cities  in  the  sky. 

A  curse  on  those  who  grind  the  snuff, 

Or  did  it  first  invent ; 
It  kills  its  thousands ;  ain't  this  enough 

To  wish  it  from  us  sent  ? 

Had  we  the  genius  to  harangue, 

We  would  impress  on  all, 
That  we  should  make  a  law  to  hang 

Snuff  makers  great  and  small. 

Nor  would  we  pass  rum  sellers  by 

For  killing  mortals :  we 
Would  make  a  law  to  hang  them  high 

Upon  the  nearest  tree, 

And  leave  them  there  for  birds  to  pick — 

We  mean  the  carrion  crow — 
Still  some  we  fear  it  would  make  sick 

To  feed  on  things  so  low.    . 


KOBEET  BLACKWELL'S 


ACEOSTIC. 

THEY  teacli  us  by  example  bright, 
Heaven-born,  religious  light, 
Enables  men  to  act  upright. 

Learned  and  skilled  in  every  thing, 
And  when  I  hear  them  sweetly  sing, 
Delight  doth  fill  my  heart ; 
I  seem  as  in  a  trance  to  be, 
Ethereal  joys  encompass  me ; 
Soon  time  arrives,  for  home  I  start — 

One  lovelier  than  the  rest  I  see,- 
From  her  I  would  not  part ; 

Still  from  her  I'm  forced  to  go, 
Plodding  all  the  country  o'er, 
Remembering  that  I  am  so  poor 
It  is  not  wise  to  tarry  ; 
Now  could  the  lady  read  my  heart, 
Glance  at  it  before  I  start, 
Erom  her  I  fain  would  never  part ; 
I  think  she  then  would  marry 
Even  one  so  poor  as  me. 
Loveliest  thing  on  land  or  sea, 
Despise  me  not — farewell  to  thee. 


ORIGINAL   ACKOSTICS.  95 


ACEOSTIC. 

NE'ER  yet  did  mortals  here  on  earth  a  purer  saint  behold, 

Exerting  all  her  powers  to  save  from  death  the  young  and 
old; 

To  God,  throughout  the  livelong  day,  her  earnest  prayers  as- 
cend; 

They  center  round  the  cross  of  Christ,  and  with  her  father's 
blend. 

In  holy,  humble  converse,  they  about  the  Saviour  talk  ; 

Expounding  truths,  transcendent  sweet,  as  they  together 
walk. 

Here  hand  in  hand,  with  mother,  too,  they  journey  to  the  sky, 
In  search  of  sanctifying  grace,  and  find  a  full  supply 
Lying  within  the  reach  of  them;  and  on  the  young  and  hoary, 
Light  from  above,  it  shone  around,  and  filled  each  soul  with 
glory. 


96  EGBERT  BLACKWELL'S 

MISS  HAEKIET  T. 

BEFORE  we  run  each  other  down 
Let  us  ourselves  apply, 

And  study  truth,  and  cease  to  frown 
On  mortals  born  to  die. 

The  ant,  you  know,  is  very  small, 
And  yet  it  makes  a  hill, 

Which,  to  it,  appears  as  tall 
As  would  to  us  a  mill. 

Tne  eagle,  too,  you  will  admit, 
Can  soar  from  earth  away, 

But  does  that  make  it  right  for  it 
On  smaller  birds  to  prey. 

And  though  I  never  went  to  school 
As  other  folks  have  done, 

Should  you  for  this  call  me  a  fool, 
And  at  me  poke  your  fun. 

If  that  be  right,  then  go  ahead, 
You  can  not  injure  me ; 

When  people  try  on  me  to  tread, 
I  from  their  presence  flee  ; 

But  ere  I  leave,  I  say  to  you, 

Being  a  graduate ; 
And  having  sense  to  will  and  do, 

I  must  conclude,  and  state 

It  would  be  vain  for  silly  men 
To  cope  as  with  an  elf, 

Or  think  of  grasping  wisdom,  when 
You  have  it  all  yourself* 


ORIGINAL    ACROSTICS.  97 


ACROSTIC. 

EVER  virtuous, 
Lovely,  too, 
In  religion  foremost ; 
Zealous  and  true, 
Alluring  to  good, 
Bold  to  defend, 
Ever  kind ; 
True  to  the  end 
Her  spirit  lives, 

Defying  death, 
Ever  bright 
Among  the  saints 
Now  in  light. 


GRIEF. 
LIKE  the  lily, 

That  once  was  mistress  of  the  field,  and  flourished, 
I'll  hang  my  head,  and  perish. — SHAKSPEARE. 


98 


EGBERT  BLACKWELL'S 


OEIGESTAL  ACEOSTICS.  99 

ACROSTIC. 

(Composed  in  1856.) 

HONORED  for  thy  love  of  right, 
Onward  soar  to  fame  and  might ; 
Never  from  the  truth  diverging, 
Or  spurious  doctrines  on  us  urging ; 
Respect  the  good,  reprove  the  bad, 
And  brace  the  weak,  and  cheer  the  sad. 
Be  kind  to  all,  do  what  we  may, 
Let  nothing  lead  thy  heart  astray  ; 
Ever  kind  in  thought  and  deed, 

Men  by  acts  thy  heart  can  read. 
Indebted  for  past  favors,  we, 
Like  loyal  subjects,  reverence  thee. 
Labor  on,  and  be  content, 
And  if  elected  President, 
Restore  the  good  to  office,  and 
Disperse  the  bad,  at  thy  command. 

For  many  now  in  office  be 

In  whom  defects  we  plainly  see ; 

Living  on  the  revenue 

Like  wolves  they  eat,  but  nothing  do. 

Mean  men,  they  seek  for  wealth  and  fame, 

Our  country's  good  is  not  their  aim ; 

Repulse  them  all  from  office,  and 

Extend  thy  sway  o'er  all  the  land. 

Thirteenth  President  of  the  United  States. 

Born  in  New  York,  January  7,  1800.  Succeeded  to  the  Presidency  on  the  death 
of  General  Taylor,  July  9,  1850.  Served  to  March  4,  1853— two  years,  seven 
months  and  twenty-three  days. 


100  EOBKRT  BLACKWELL'S 

ACEOSTIC. 

MAKE  truth  thy  study  day  and  night, 
Impressed  with  subjects  shining  bright ; 
Christ,  the  Lord,  the  source  of  light, 
Always  cheering  guide  thee  aright. 
Just  think  upon  his  love  so  free, 
All  men  he  bids  from  sin  to  flee ; 
He  took  our  place  and  died,  that  we, 

Both  young  and  old,  might  angels  be. 
Love  so  great  was  never  known, 
Around  the  earth  his  glories  shone ; 
Coming  from  his  Father's  throne, 
King  J  esus  did  our  sins  atone. 
"We  should  not,  then,  forget  to  pray, 
Exposed  to  death,  without  delay, 
Let  us  now  both  in  earnest  say, 
Lord  Jesus,  take  our  sins  away. 

(My  dear  Broih&r?) 


ACEOSTIC. 

ARMED  with  all  power  and  with  love, 
Look  down  on  me  from  heaven  above ; 
My  only  hope,  my  only  plea, 
Is  that  Jesus  died  for  me. 
Gracious  Father,  Heavenly  King, 
Hear  me  while  thy  praise  I  sing ; 
Though  so  sinful,  though  so  vile, 
Yet  in  mercy  on  me  smile. 

Give  me  grace  from  day  to  day 
On  Thee  to  trust,  and  when  I  pray 
Disperse  my  gloomy  doubts  away. 


ORIGINAL   ACBOSTICS.  101 

ACROSTIC. 

FAM'D  for  wealth,  for  beauty  and  health, 
Let  no  city  outshine  thyself ; 
Uplifted  high,  our  wants  supply, 
So  long  as  stars  beam  in  the  sky ; 
Here  men  we  find  for  bliss  designed, 
Industrious,  noble,  wise,  and  kind ; 
Not  only  so,  young  ladies  sweet, 
God  bless  them  all,  they  can't  be  beat. 


ACROSTIC. 

CELEBRATED  for  industry,  while  factories  we  see 
On  our  right  and  on  our  left  when  traveling  o'er  thee ; 
No  one  can  prevent  us,  when  on  thee  we  gaze, 
Nor  make  us  to  falter  when  giving  thee  praise. 
Each  one  who  beholds  thy  name  should  adore, 
Containing  the  learned,  the  rich,  and  the  poor ; 
Tall  churches,  large  towns,  and  cities  also, 
Increasing  in  wealth  still  daily  they  grow. 
Cheering  all  mortals  in  thy  limits  around, 
Undeniable,  most  beautiful,  the  learned  and  profound, 
They  admit,  to  thy  glory,  thy  name  is  renowned. 


FABLE— THE  TUNNY  AND  THE  DOLPHIN. 

A  FISH,  called  a  tunny,  being  pursued  by  a  dolphin,  and  driven  with  great 
violence,  not  minding  which  way  he  went,  was  thrown  by  the  force  of  the  waves 
upon  a  rock,  and  left  there.  His  death  was  now  inevitable;  but,  casting  his  eye 
on  one  side,  and  seeing  the  dolphin,  in  the  same  condition,  lie  gasping  by  him, 
"  Well,"  says  he,  "  I  must  die,  it  is  true ;  but  I  die  with  pleasure,  when  I  behold 
him  who  is  the  cause  of  it  involved  in  the  same  fate." 

THE  APPLIOA  TION. 

Revenge,  though  a  blind,  mischievous  passion,  is  yet  a  very  sweet  thing ;  so 
sweet  that  it  can  even  soothe  the  pangs,  and  reconcile  us  to  the  bitterness  of 
death.  And,  indeed,  it  must  be  a  temper  hijhly  philosophical  that  could  be 
driven  out  of  life  by  any  tyrannical,  unji'st  procedure,  and  not  be  touched  with 
a  sense  of  pleasure  to  see  the  author  oi  it  splitting  upon  the  same  rock. 


102  EGBERT  BLACKWELL'S 


ACEOSTIC. 

NUMEROUS  mills,  and  factories  too, 
Enrich  her  sons  and  daughters  true 
"With  gold  and  silver  bright  and  new. 

Ye  men,  who  buy  fine  goods  of  her, 
Oifend  her  not,  her  name  is  dear, 
Reflecting  light,  be  men  profound ; 
Keep  step  with  her,  ye  States  around, 


ACROSTIC. 

PRIZED  by  the  good,  and  by  the  great 
Enriched  and  called  the  Keystone  State ; 
No  State  more  true,  or  State  more  wise, 
No  State  more  loved  beneath  the  skies ; 
She  firmly  stands,  adorned  with  grace ; 
Ye  men  around,  behold  her  face. 
Look  at  her  houses,  white  and  new, 
Various  fine  towns  and  cities  too, 
Alive  with  men.     Now  see,  behold 
Not  only  men,  but  women  bold, 
Imploring  God  to  save  our  land, 
And  make  this  Union  firmly  stand. 


FABLE— THE  ANT  AND  THE  GRASSHOPPER. 

IN  the  winter  season,  a  commonwealth  of  ants  was  busily  employed  in  the 
management  and  preservation  of  their  corn,  which  they  exposed  to  the  air,  in 
heaps,  round  about  the  avenues  of  their  little  country  habitation.  A  grasshopper, 
who  had  chancsd  to  outlive  the  summer,  and  was  ready  to  starve  with  cold  and 
hunger,  approached  them  with  great  humility,  and  begged  that  they  would  re- 
lieve his  necessity  with  one  grain  of  wheat  or  rye.  One  of  the  ants  asked  him 
how  he  had  disposed  of  his  time  in  summer,  that  he  had  not  taken  pains  and  laid 
in  a  stock,  as  they  had  done,  "  Alas !  gentlemen,"  says  he,  "  I  passed  away  the 
time  merrily  and  pleasantly,  in  drinking,  singing,  and  dancing,  and  never  once 
thought  of  winter."  "  If  that  be  the  case,"  replied  the  ant,  "  all  I  have  to  say 
is,  that  they  who  drink,  sing,  and  dance  in  the  summer,  must  starve  in  the  win- 
ter." 

MORAL. 

Who  pleasures  love 
Shall  beggars  prove. 


ORIGINAL   ACEOSTICS. 


103 


ACEOSTIC. 

Go,  preach  God's  word,  and  spread  it  wide, 
O'er  earth  from  sea  to  sea ; 

Ye  holy  men,  our  boast  and  pride, 
Each  one  must  faithful  be, 

Insulted  heaven  to  defend, 
Not  faint  at  heart,  but  strong ; 
Through  life  to  preach  to  foe  and  friend, 
Opposing  every  wrong ; 

And  praying  all  from  death  to  flee, 
Loving  the  truth  to  sound  ; 
Loudly  proclaim  salvation  free 

To  dying  mortals  round. 
High-reaching  after  righteousness, 
Each  hour  watch  and  pray, 

While  traveling  through  this  wilderness 
Of  doubt  and  care,  each  day, 
Reveal  your  love  for  God  above  ; 
Loving  to  preach,  poor  sinners  teach 
Dangers  thickiy  round  them  iay. 


104  EGBERT   BlAcKWELL's 

[THESE  lines  were  suggested  by  a  conversation  with  an  individual,  who  re- 
quested an  acrostic  upon  his  name,  who  had  doubts  about  the  immortality  of  the 
soul.] 

ACROSTIC. 
'Tis  from  the  past  we  wisdom  learn, 

The  future  is  all  dark  to  me, 
And  when  I  to  the  dust  return, 
"Where  will  my  thinking  powers  be  ? 
Will  they  forsake  me  with  my  breath, 
Or  live  with  God,  while  ages  flee, 
Or  dwell  with  devils  after  death, 
These  are  the  thoughts  that  trouble  me. 


ACROSTIC. 

LIKE  angels  of  mercy,  God  sent  them  to  cheer  us, 
As  traveling  o'er  earth  ;  for  when  they  are  near  us, 
Depression  grows  lighter,  while  enchanted  we  view 
In  each  of  those  ladies,  patriotic  and  true, 
Every  grace  and  charm,  which  makes  them  appear 
Shining  stars  of  perfection,  angelic  and  dear. 

Our  interest  consulting,  they  have  shown  a  desire 
For  the  success  of  our  arms,  since  the  first  gun  did  fire, 

To  put  down  rebellion,  loud-ringing,  like  thunder ; 
Hot  balls,  alas  !  rent  Sumpter  asunder, 
Enrapturing  the  South,  making  others  to  wonder. 

Now  see  them  all  feeding  our  soldiers  each  day, 
Organizing  societies,  for  our  triumph  they  pray ; 
Raising  money  so  freely,  to  aid  and  to  cheer  us, 
They  study  our  good,  all  ye  mortals  now  hear  us, 
How  happy  we  feel  when  those  ladies  are  near  us. 

[COMPOSED  IN  1863.] 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  105 

ACKOSTIC. 

RESPECTED  by  the  great  and  high, 
Be  true  till  thou  art  called  to  die  ; 
And  in  that  day,  come  when  it  may, 
Learned  sir,  to  thee  the  Lord  will  say, 
Dear  son,  arise,  receive  the  prize  ! 
With  shouting,  soar  above  the  skies, 
Immortal,  free  to  dwell  with  me, 
New  songs  to  sing  while  ages  flee. 


ACROSTIC. 

SEE  how  bravely  they  march,  with  banners  all  flying, 
Our  country  to  save,  they  are  fighting  and  dying  ; 
Led  on  by  brave  captains,  and  generals  most  dear, 
Depending  on  God,  they  have  nothing  to  fear. 
Insurgents  will  tremble  when  they  see  them  in  sight, 
Each  man  fully  equipped,  and  prepared  for  the  fight ; 
Ragamuffins  and  vagrants  can  never  once  stand 
So  much  as  three  fires  from  our  chivalrous,  brave  band. 

Others  might  deceive  us,  but  in  them  we  can  trust, 
For  we  knew  they  are  kind,  intelligent,  and  just. 

The  lovers  of  our  homes,  courageous  and  true, 
Having  pledged  their  honor  their  duty  to  do, 
Each  one  is  now  marching  with  victory  in  view. 

Not  a  traitor  can  awe  defenders  of  truth, 

Our  soldiers  are  good,  some  religious  from  youth  ; 

Right  bravely,  therefore,  they  can  march  to  the  field, 

To  teach  Jeff  Davis,  by  Jehovah  revealed, 

He  never  can  make  the  righteous  to  yield. 

[COMPOSED  OK  SEBIHO  THEM  START  OFF  FOR  THE  WAR.] 


106 


KOBEKT   BLACKWELL  8 


Aid  now  abideth  FAITH,   HOPE,  CHARITY,  these  three  ;  but  the  greatest  of  these  is  Char- 
ity." 


I 

ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  107 


A  HUNTER  ranging  along  the  forest  wild, 
Saw  o'er  the  green  sward  tripping, 

Three  maidens  fair  and  mild, 
Three  maidens  fair  and  mild.    " 

Fair,  queenly  Faith  came  foremost, 
Next  Love  before  him  passed, 

With  Hope,  all  bright  and  smiling, 
The  gayest  and  the  last : 

And  said,  "  Now  choose  between  us, 

For  one  with  thee  will  stay ; 
Choose  well,  or  thou  may'st  rue  it 

"When  two  have  passed  away." 

He  said,  "  All  bright  and  lovely, 

O  why  must  two  depart  ? 
Faith,  Hope,  Love,  stay  together, 

Possess  and  share  my  heart." 


108  ORIGINAL    ACROSTICS. 


ACEOSTIC. 

HOUSING  the  wolf!     Queen  of  the  sea ! 
Old  Ireland's  sons  he  sought  to  free ; 
Beloved  friend  and  martyr,  he 
Encounter'd  foes  of  high  degree ; 
Restrain'd  at  last,  Great  Britain,  she, 
The  best  of  men  hung  on  a  tree. 

Ere  long  may  Ireland  stronger  grow — 
Mow  down  with  strength  each  deadly  foe, 
Make  streams  of  blood  from  tyrants  flow, 
Each  king  behead,  nor  mercy  show 
To  those  who  laid  her  son  so  low. 

AN  Irish  revolutionist,  bora  in  Dublin,  A.  D.  1780.  He  gained  high  honor 
at  Trinity  College,  from  which  he  was  ultimately  expelled  for  avowing  himself 
a  Republican.  Subsequently  he  was  arrested  and  tred  for  high  treason.  At 
his  trial,  he  defended  his  own  cause,  addressing  the  judge  and  jury  with  remark- 
able eloquence.  But  in  vain.  He  was  condemned  to  be  executed,  and  was 
hanged  in  the  city  of  his  birth,  September  20,  1803,  aged  23  years.  He  met 
his  fate  with  courage,  and  won  general  admiration  for  the  purity  of  his  motives 
and  the  loftiness  of  his  character. 


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